The Roots of Civilization

The Department of Near Eastern Studies was founded in 1883 and was the first program in the United States to offer a PhD in the field. Choose from four programs of study: Assyriology, Egyptology, Hebrew Bible and Northwest Semitic Studies, and Near Eastern Archaeology/Near Eastern Art.

Degrees Offered BA, PhD
Major Near Eastern Studies

A team of Johns Hopkins researchers and students, led by Prof. Betsy Bryan, conducts fieldwork at the Temple of the Goddess Mut dig site in Luxor, Egypt.

News & Announcements

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January 19, 2025January 19, 2025

Special Issue of Clio. Women, Gender, History 56 (2022), ‘Women at Play’, Now in English

This issue of the French journal Clio. Women, Gender, History, is devoted to women playing games and explores the attitude of different societies to games and gender over time. Co-edited by Dr. […]

December 1, 2024December 2, 2024

Prof. Glenn Schwartz talks with Ashley Sterner, ‘On the Record’

On Monday, December 2, 2024, Ashley Sterner’s interview with Prof. Glenn Schwartz on his discovery of cylinders with early alphabetic writing and recent ASOR book award airs during ‘On the […]

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Prof. Glenn Schwartz Receives ASOR Book Award

The Department of Near Eastern Studies is proud and happy to announce that Prof. Glenn M. Schwartz has received this year’s G. Ernest Wright Award from the American Society of […]

Upcoming Events

Distinguished Lecture in the Art of the Ancient Americas: Kelley Ann H...

AIA John H. Young Lecture: Megan Kassabaum

2025 Albright Lecture Featuring Susanne Paulus, ISAC