About
Simon Schall studied History and Business Administration at the University of Mannheim and Lingnan University Hong Kong from 2015 to 2019. He then completed a double Master’s degree at the Universities of Freiburg and Roma III as part of the European Master in Classical Cultures, specialising in Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. Since 2021, he has been a research assistant at the Department of Ancient History, working on a dissertation concerning the organisation of trade relations in Ptolemaic Egypt.
Research
In his dissertation, Simon Schall investigates the organisation of trade with grain and wine in Ptolemaic Egypt. His research aims to move beyond central state perspectives by adopting an actor-centered approach to better understand the functioning of ancient markets. The project is primarily based on papyrological sources, and in this context, he also contributes to research by editing previously unpublished papyri.
Publications
Selection of publications
- Hillgruber, A./Schall, S.: Ein amtliches Schreiben über staatliche Einkünfte aus ptolemäischer Zeit (P. Köln inv. 21420 D = TM 703670), in: Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik 230, 2024, 173–178.
- Schall, S.: Goldenes Land am Nil? Die wirtschaftliche Potenz der Ptolemäer, in: A. Schubert und L. Börner (Hgg.), Caesar und Kleopatra. Freiburg 2025, 26-27.
Teaching
Simon Schall primarily teaches courses on the Hellenistic Age, such as the legitimization of Ptolemaic rule and the relationship between Hellenistic kings and Greek poleis. He strives to introduce students to the study of ancient texts and images by bringing them into close contact with primary sources. This approach is also reflected in his courses on coins as well as excursions. Together with Sitta von Reden and in collaboration with students, he has developed a module on the significance of money in classical Athens for the digital learning platform NumiScience.