CSCSA Photo: Wang Zhou/CSST

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The Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens (CSCSA) was officially inaugurated in Athens on Nov. 28, drawing significant attention both domestically and internationally. The global academic community views the establishment of the institution as a new bridge for inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning between China, Greece, and other nations, marking another major step forward in advancing East-West civilizational dialogue. For years, Western classical studies have dominated the field, with research perspectives, subjects, and conclusions often limited in scope. Against this backdrop, the establishment of the CSCSA—an important initiative reflecting the important consensus between the leaders of China and Greece and supporting the Global Civilization Initiative—will offer fresh cultural perspectives and add new cultural charm to the knowledge system of classical studies. Scholars interviewed emphasized that the preservation and development of classical civilizations is a major task concerning the well-being and future of humanity. In an era where classical and modern civilizations coexist and intertwine, the CSCSA will serve as a vital link for civilizational dialogue between China, Greece, and even the world, contributing profoundly to the shared prosperity and progress of human civilization.

Bridging the East & the West

Marianna Thoma, an associate professor from the Department of Classics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece, expressed the hope that the CSCSA will serve as an extraordinary platform for inter-civilizational exchanges between China and Greece. Thoma believes that the establishment of the CSCSA by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS )represents a significant opportunity for mutual exchanges between the two civilizations. Despite the geographical distance between China and Greece, these two ancient and vibrant civilizations share many commonalities. 

Velia Govaere, the director of the Observatory for Foreign Trade at the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in Costa Rica, stated that the establishment of the CSCSA promotes exploration and dialogue that transcends both time and space, adding that China reaches Greece with her millennia-old culture to be twinned with the historical cradle of the world democracy.    

Nicola Polloni, an associate professor from the Department of Ancient and Modern Civilizations at the University of Messina in Italy, described the establishment of the CSCSA as an inspiring development. He emphasized that the School has the potential to significantly reshape classical studies in Europe by introducing fresh voices and diverse perspectives. Its influence, he suggested, will manifest in several ways. By serving as a bridge between Europe and China, the CSCSA will foster new networks of collaboration and offer innovative approaches to how we conceive and study the classical world. It will also encourage a re-examination of the concept of “classics” in both Europe and China. By creating a space for dialogue among scholars and students from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, the CSCSA could lay the groundwork for a more nuanced and global appreciation of the classical “past,” highlighting both the shared and distinct aspects of social structures, scientific practices, and cultural achievements across regions and eras. Moreover, the CSCSA is poised to strengthen the already vibrant network of academic collaboration between Europe and China in other disciplines as well.

Panagiotis Pantazakos, a professor from the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, said that China and Greece are both ancient civilizations with long histories and rich philosophical traditions. Greece, with its superior strategic geographic location and academic expertise, has become an ideal destination for many countries to establish overseas institutions for classical studies. And now, with the establishment of the CSCSA in Athens, a new era of cultural and academic exchanges between China and Greece is about to begin.  

Christoph Helmig, a professor from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Cologne in Germany, called the establishment of the CSCSA an exciting initiative of great importance to the history of exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Greek civilizations. He noted that it opens rich new channels for the two ancient cultures to inspire one another and build consensus. Furthermore, it holds extraordinary significance for fostering cross-border academic exchanges between China and Greece over time.

Thoma calls for classical studies to warmly embrace scholars from around the world and encourage them to participate in the discussion with their own unique research methods and techniques, advocating for the employment of a broader perspective to deepen our understanding of classical studies and their profound civilizational impact.

Interdisciplinary influence

Andreas Germanos Karydas,  the research director at the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics of the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Greece,  believes that although the existing academic framework has begun to promote interdisciplinary cooperation in classical studies, the vast archaeological sites and discoveries in Athens still have great potential for development, which requires more international cooperation, human resources, and financial support, especially in the field of digital humanities and international collaborative projects. The establishment of the CSCSA also underscores the remarkable status of Athens as a point for the encountering of civilizations. 

Olga Karagiorgou, the director of the Research Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art at the Academy of Athens in Greece, noted that Athens is home to 19 foreign archaeological schools. These institutions undertake government-authorized research projects, including fieldwork and excavations, support specialized libraries, operate their own laboratories, publish activity reports and academic works, offer scholarships, and organize conferences and lecture series. The establishment of the CSCSA—the first such institution from an Asian country in Greece—is expected to serve as a vital meeting point for scholars from the East and the West. This platform will enable collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and the introduction of innovative techniques and methodologies, enriching the humanities with diverse knowledge and expertise rooted in distinct educational and cultural traditions. The interaction, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas among scholars from around the world exemplify the best practices of cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding and intellectual resonance across different worldviews.

Michael Trapp, an emeritus professor from the Department of Classics at King’s College London in the United Kindom, emphasized the significance of having a dedicated physical space as a home and focus for academic exchanges and cooperation.  

Christoph Helmig believes that the influence of the CSCSA will extend far beyond classical studies, impacting national development, social governance, international cooperation, and multidimensional fields such as advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, shipping, and new digital innovations.

Promoting civilizational exchanges

The establishment of the CSCSA aims to address modern challenges in moral governance and cultural identity by delving into the wisdom of early civilizations. “This will inspire Chinese and Greek scholars, as well as scholars around the world, to devote themselves to preserving and advancing the study of classical heritage,” Helmig remarked.

Govaere emphasized that China recognizes the profound value of history and transforms this understanding into actionable initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Beyond infrastructure and connectivity, China is committed to building civilization bridges of understanding and concord.

Konstantinos Spanoudakis, a professor from the Department of Philology at the University of Crete in Greece, believes that scholars should not only focus on their own classical heritage but also appreciate and learn from the classical legacies of other civilizations. Civilization is not the exclusive property of any one country or nation—it is the shared wealth of all humanity. China deeply understands this and has consistently transformed its vision into reality through meaningful actions.

Modernity in classics

The enduring significance of classical studies continues to resonate in the contemporary world.

Spanoudakis remarked that while classical civilizations are ancient, they hold timeless relevance for modern society. Reinterpreting classical ideas therefore offers valuable insights for addressing contemporary challenges. When it comes to classical studies, many international scholars narrowly define the field as focusing solely on the traditions of ancient Greece and Rome—the so-called classics in a limited sense. “However, I have noticed that China is building its own independent classical knowledge system and is proposing new paradigms to extend it globally. This move would undoubtedly be crucial in bridging the East-West barrier,” Spanoudakis explained.

Mangala Katugampola, the director of the Center for Heritage Studies at the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka, believes that our knowledge about classical civilizations should be disseminated to a global audience. Institutions like the CSCSA play a vital role in this effort, and establishing such an institution in a country with a distinct classical heritage is particularly meaningful. President Xi Jinping’s letter emphasizes the importance of fostering exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations—an inspiring and timely message to the world.

Spanoudakis believes that the establishment of the CSCSA underscores China’s constructive role in global classical studies and symbolizes China’s unwavering efforts to seek harmonious ways for civilizations to coexist. This institution not only expresses China’s desire to engage with the forefront of global civilizations but also embodies its vision of a diverse and inclusive global future.

Spanoudakis concluded that the CSCSA represents more than the establishment of a new academic institution. It serves as a platform to showcase China’s civilization, bringing together ancient traditions, historical insights, and cultural considerations. The institution aims to address contemporary challenges while paving the way for future exploration. Its presence in Athens is expected to offer the world a more genuine, dynamic, and open perspective on China, while encouraging scholars worldwide to embrace the critical work of advancing classical studies.

Edited by ZHAO YUAN