War and Justice
How was war justified in antiquity – and what can we learn from this for the present day? Margit Linder, Associate Professor of Ancient History at the Institute for Antiquity and, from autumn 2026, the new Deputy Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, researches the history of ideas concerning war, violence and justice in ancient societies.
The history of ideas concerning war
Margit Linder’s research focuses on historiography, working environments, mobility, and violence and war in ancient societies. As part of the research focus area Trans-Mediterranean Entanglements, she is investigating how conceptions of a ‘just war’ (bellum justum) have developed from antiquity through to the modern era. The term ‘just war’ sounds like a contradiction to us, yet in ancient societies, the approach to physical violence and war was quite different, and one that directly affected everyone. Her current project is devoted to the history of ideas surrounding just war – from the earliest examples in Egypt, Assyria and Greece right through to Cicero and Kant, whose teachings influenced modern international law.
Interdisciplinary collaboration and research-led teaching
Ms Linder works in an interdisciplinary research team that analyses the development of concepts of war and justice across different eras and cultures. She finds the exchange with colleagues from various disciplines particularly enriching, not only in terms of research but also in terms of teaching: Margit Linder’s students benefit from current research questions and are actively involved by her in academic discussion. In-depth seminar discussions and research-led teaching are, for her, key elements in gaining new perspectives and supporting students.
Public Outreach and Collections
Margit Linder is particularly keen to present her research in a way that is understandable and accessible to people outside the academic world. Through exciting school projects, workshops and exhibitions – such as those on the ancient coin collection or on media and communication in antiquity – she has opened up the Institute to young people and interested members of the public. The interactive exploration of topics such as violence, gender and everyday culture in antiquity is intended not only to strengthen interest in the humanities, but also to inspire the students of tomorrow.
Margit Linder studied Classical Archaeology and Art History in Graz and completed her habilitation in Ancient History and Archaeology. She teaches and conducts research at the Department of Classics in Graz; her research focuses on historiography, working environments, mobility, violence, war and justice in ancient societies. From this autumn, she will be Deputy Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Humanities.