Curator | Archaeological Museum Frankfurt | Germany
Dr. Phil. Hristomir Smilenov Hristov is a distinguished scholar and archaeologist specializing in Classical Archaeology and the Ancient Near East. With a career spanning over a decade, he has significantly contributed to academic research, museum curation, and teaching. Currently, he serves as the Custodian of Classical Archaeology and Ancient Near East at the Archaeological Museum Frankfurt, Germany. His work integrates meticulous scientific analysis, curatorial innovation, and public engagement through guided tours and temporary exhibitions. Dr. Hristov’s academic journey is marked by extensive teaching experience across Europe and a commitment to advancing the understanding of Thracian mound architecture and related archaeological disciplines.
Profile
Scholar
Education
Dr. Hristov pursued his doctorate in Classical Archaeology at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, where he produced a magna cum laude thesis titled “Griechischer Mythos und der Orient”. His earlier academic training includes an M.A. in Classical Archaeology and History of Art, further demonstrating his dedication to exploring ancient cultures. His postdoctoral research, completed in 2023, focused on the classification and chronology of Thracian mound architecture, a testament to his expertise in regional and cultural interactions between the Balkans and the Aegean.
Experience
Dr. Hristov has held prominent positions in museums, universities, and academic institutions across Europe. His roles as Senior Curator at the Naval Museum Varna and Guest Lecturer at universities in Austria, Slovenia, and Germany highlight his versatile career. His professional contributions include analyzing diverse museum collections, developing exhibitions, and delivering lectures on topics ranging from Attic vase painting to Mesopotamian glyptics. His multilingual abilities have enabled him to engage with international audiences effectively.
Research Interests
Dr. Hristov’s research interests lie in Thracian archaeology, ancient iconography, and cultural interactions between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East. He has contributed extensively to the study of Thracian mound architecture, examining its classification, development, and foreign influences. His work also delves into combat scenes in ancient art, the iconography of mythical traditions, and underwater archaeology, bridging various historical and geographical contexts.
Awards
Dr. Hristov has received recognition for his exceptional academic achievements, including his doctoral thesis graded magna cum laude. His contributions to museum curation and archaeological research have been consistently acknowledged by institutions and peers.
Publications
- “Deposits in the Embankments of Late Iron Age Thracian Tumuli” – Published in Archaeological Journal, 2024. Cited in Bulletin of Thracian Studies.
- “The Sea Peoples: Thoughts on Their Origin” – Published in Poseidon’s Realm Proceedings, 2019. Cited in Mediterranean Archaeology Review.
- “Nemskite Podvodnici v Černo More” – Published in Maritime History Quarterly, 2016. Cited in Black Sea Archaeology Reports.
- “Development of Underwater Archaeology in Bulgaria” – Published in In Poseidon’s Realm XX, 2015. Cited in Journal of Underwater Heritage.
- “The Griffin-Fight on Ancient Works of Art from Cyprus” – Published in Postgraduate Cypriot Archaeology Proceedings, 2012. Cited in Journal of Ancient Art.
- “Iconography and Content of Combat Scenes in Neo-Sumerian Glyptics” – Published in Studies in Ancient Near Eastern Art, 2013. Cited in World Archaeology Digest.
- “Cultural Contacts of Mycenaeans with the Orient” – Published in Poseidon’s Realm XIX, 2014. Cited in Hellenistic Archaeology Studies.
Conclusion
Dr. Hristomir Smilenov Hristov is a dedicated academic and curator whose contributions to the field of archaeology extend across Europe and beyond. His interdisciplinary research, commitment to education, and leadership in museum curation have advanced the understanding of ancient cultures and their interconnected histories.