Institute for the Study and
Research of the Medieval World

The Institute for the Study and Research of the Medieval World was established with the aim of promoting systematic research into the history, culture, and social structures of the medieval period. Focusing on the study of medieval Crete, its creation aligns with the growing scholarly interest in a deeper understanding of the historical processes that shaped Europe and the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages.

Τhe Institute relies on interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers, laboratories, and structures of the University of Crete. Its goal is to develop strong research networks in the fields of archaeology, history, philology, anthropology, medicine, and environmental biology, as well as to transfer knowledge through partnerships with museums and the University Library.

A core priority of the Institute is the study of primary evidence and information through sources: archaeological findings, art and material culture, manuscripts, printed books and texts, and archival material of the medieval period.

The Institute already possesses a significant research background, participating in numerous Greek and international projects, such as LIP3D, NOTMED, LOC-GLOB, BYZMOLAB, DynByzCrete, I-Stamboul, and others related to Byzantine studies, manuscripts, and historical research.

Through the development of international collaborations with research centers and universities dedicated to the study of the Middle Ages, the Institute actively contributes to the advancement of the study of the medieval world and the dissemination of scientific knowledge at an international level.

Key Infrastructure and Assets

• Laboratory of Palaeography and Microfilm Archive: It possesses 1,237 digitized manuscripts (10th–18th century) and international collaborations, notably with the IRHT/CNRS in Paris.
• Laboratory of Byzantine Archaeology and Art: It features educational collections, photographic archives, and modern equipment for monument documentation.
• Archaeological excavations in Eleutherna and the Castle of Oxa, which constantly enrich the research material.
• University Library of Rethymno: It offers rich medieval studies collections and archives.