Kostas Buraselis (left) and Marianna Thoma (right) believe that there are extensive collaborative opportunities between Chinese and Greek classics, ranging from manuscript studies and comparative analyses to journal publishing and digital humanities. Photo: COURTESIES OF KOSTAS BURASELIS AND MARIANNA THOMA

On April 7, more than 80 experts and scholars from over 10 countries and regions convened in Athens for the International Conference on Epic Studies, co-hosted by the Institute of Ethnic Literature (IEL) and the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens (CSCSA), both under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The conference explored the contemporary relevance and challenges of epic traditions, with the aim of promoting cross-cultural dialogue and innovation in classical studies.

Classical scholars worldwide are increasingly recognizing that as more ancient manuscripts are uncovered and deciphered, classical civilizations exhibit striking connections in philosophy, literature, science, history, and ethics. This challenges the traditional view of Western civilization as the sole focus of classical studies. To share their views on current trends and developments in global classical studies, CSST recently interviewed Greek classicists Kostas Buraselis, a member of the Academy of Athens and emeritus professor of Ancient History at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Marianna Thoma, an associate professor of Ancient Greek Literature at the same institution. 

Profound significance of classical texts 

CSST: Scholars take a variety of approaches to interpreting classical texts. How do you view the different research directions currently shaping the field? 

Thoma: Analyzing classical texts through the exploration of ancient literary traditions and philosophical inquiries is an extremely fruitful research trajectory. This approach not only deepens our understanding of the intellectual foundations of both Western and Eastern civilizations but also enables us to revise and challenge established perceptions. On one hand, the study of ancient literature and philosophy helps us trace the origins of fundamental cultural values, narrative structures, and concepts that continue to influence contemporary thought and life. For instance, figures like Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and Euripides are not only historical objects of study but also dynamic reference points in modern ethics, aesthetics, and political theory. 

Conversely, this research trajectory poses the challenge of avoiding a “teleological” reading of history, which refers to the tendency to view ancient civilizations merely as a prelude to the modern world. A critical approach that deconstructs Western or Eastern interpretative biases is essential. It enables us to see ancient texts not only as the progenitors of our own ideas but also as complex and diverse works that deserve to be understood in their own contexts. Therefore, this research trajectory is particularly valuable, provided that it balances interpretative continuity with radical questioning. 

Contemporary relevance 

CSST: How can our knowledge of the classical world shed light on our contemporary, often globalized, challenges? At the same time, how can we remain vigilant against uncritical acceptance of the classics and work to dismantle the “myths” surrounding the classical world? 

Thoma: The study of the classical world can offer valuable insights into contemporary, often globalized, challenges by providing historical perspectives on issues such as governance, ethics, cultural identity, gender relations, and social conflict. Classical civilizations grappled with questions of democracy, imperialism, migration, education, justice, and human rights—issues that remain central to modern discourse. By examining how ancient societies navigated these challenges, we can gain a deeper understanding of the roots of contemporary political and social structures, as well as alternative ways of thinking about them. For example, studying Athenian democracy can illuminate both the strengths and limitations of democratic systems, while the Roman Empire’s management of multiculturalism and citizenship offers historical parallels to modern debates on globalization and integration. It is widely acknowledged that Egypt was a significant multicultural society during the Roman period, as evidenced by the abundance of papyri that have survived to the present day. Furthermore, classical philosophy, ranging from Stoicism to Confucian thought, offers frameworks for ethical reasoning that can be applied to contemporary moral dilemmas, including climate responsibility and technological ethics. 

However, it is imperative to exercise critical thinking when analyzing the classical world, rather than adopting it unquestioningly as an idealized model. The study of antiquity has frequently been distorted by subsequent ideological agendas, reinforcing myths of cultural superiority, Eurocentrism, or unproblematic continuity between past and present. To dismantle these myths, it is necessary to approach classical texts and historical narratives with a critical lens, acknowledging their complexities, contradictions, and the perspectives they exclude. 

Beyond Eurocentrism 

CSST: In Western academia, classical studies have traditionally focused on ancient Greece and Rome. However, with the rise of a “multicultural” perspective in recent years, the question of whether to include more civilizations in the field of classical studies has become a hot topic. What would such an expansion mean for the discipline? 

Thoma: The expansion of classical studies to encompass civilizations such as ancient China would represent a significant shift in the discipline, fostering a more inclusive and global perspective on antiquity. The traditional focus of classical studies on the Greco-Roman world has long reflected historical Eurocentrism in academia. However, broadening the field to include other ancient cultures would allow for richer comparative analyses and a deeper understanding of how different civilizations engaged with similar intellectual, political, and artistic questions. Such an expansion would challenge the long-standing assumption that the classical tradition is exclusively Western, instead recognizing that foundational texts, philosophies, and cultural developments occurred across the ancient world. 

For example, examining Confucianism alongside Platonic philosophy could reveal both shared concerns and unique approaches to governance, ethics, and society. Moreover, this broader scope would encourage interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together scholars from different traditions to explore interactions between ancient cultures and philosophical exchanges between East and West. 

Buraselis: The idea of “classical” has an undeniable and natural evaluative content: The ancient Latin term ‘classicus’ already denotes literary works of the first class, that is, those deserving to serve as models of study and eventual imitation for later generations and the world in general. It is equally undeniable that China has produced works of such high merit, such as the philosophy of Confucius. Therefore, one should not hesitate to be selective in determining what qualifies as a “classic.” After all, not every cultural product from any age or region can be described or classified as “classical.” Equating “ancient” with “classical” would only lead to unhelpful confusion. 

Advancing Sino-Greek collaboration 

CSST: Greece and China share both similarities and differences in the field of classical studies. How can Greece and China deepen their understanding of each other’s perspectives, concerns, and research outcomes, thereby expanding academic networks and fostering mutual trust and appreciation between the two countries? 

Buraselis: The idea of dialogue is a fundamental asset of both Greek and Chinese civilizations, and it could serve as the basis for such an approach. The comparative study of aspects of Greek and Chinese cultural achievements could mutually deepen the understanding of both civilizations. For example, the importance of acculturation as a trait in the development of both Greece and China could provide an excellent comparative focus, allowing us to approach them from various highly interesting perspectives. 

CSST: How can classical studies journals cultivate unique identities and contribute to the academic ecosystem? What role does the editing, curating, and evaluating of the work of earlier scholars play in this process? Additionally, what recommendations do you have for the internationalization of Chinese classical studies journals? 

Thoma: Classical studies journals are crucial for shaping the intellectual landscape by setting agendas and building academic communities. For Chinese classical studies journals aspiring to internationalize, it is wise to adopt a multi-pronged approach: publishing articles in multiple languages, inviting international contributors and editors to join their teams, and seeking inclusion in prestigious databases like JSTOR, Scopus, and Web of Science. All of these strategies can effectively elevate their global presence. 

To forge a unique identity in the international academic arena, Chinese classical studies journals can consider specializing in subfields such as comparative antiquity, reception studies, or digital humanities. Acting as interdisciplinary hubs by collaborating with fields like archaeology, philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies can also enrich their content. Rigorous peer review and adherence to ethical publishing practices are the cornerstones of gaining credibility. By featuring research on lesser-known texts, minority scholarly traditions, and non-Western receptions of Greco-Roman antiquity, these journals can diversify academic discourse and highlight the unique perspectives of Chinese scholarship. This not only enhances the journals’ appeal but also contributes to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of classical studies worldwide. 

The editing and evaluation of predecessors’ work are integral to the advancement of classical studies, as this ensures the reliability and accessibility of foundational texts. By reassessing past theories with modern methods and cutting-edge technologies such as digital humanities, new insights can be generated. Given that China is one of the world leaders in digital humanities and Greece is eager to collaborate with China in this field, there lies a great opportunity for mutual benefit. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, comparing Greco-Roman antiquity with other classical traditions, and establishing new research priorities, both countries can push the boundaries of classical studies and further the internationalization of academic research. This collaborative effort can also provide valuable content for academic journals, enhancing their depth and interdisciplinary appeal. 

Edited by LIAN ZHIXIAN