CASAM

Prizes in Social and Economic History of the Ancient Mediterranean

The Center for Advanced Study of the Ancient Mediterranean (CASAM) awards three distinct prizes to recognize outstanding contributions to the social and economic history of the ancient Mediterranean world. Each prize is awarded on a rotating triennial cycle, ensuring that one prize is conferred every year. The prizes aim to promote innovative, methodologically rigorous research that advances the field and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue.

Each prize carries an award of 1,500 EUR and is formally presented at a public event or keynote lecture organized by CASAM.

Wine selling advertisement and prices, “Ad Cucumas” shop, ancient roman painting, Herculaneum, Italy.
Wine selling advertisement and prices, “Ad Cucumas” shop, ancient roman painting, Herculaneum, Italy.

1. CASAM Book Prize for the Best Monograph

Next award year: 2026

This prize honors the most distinguished scholarly monograph published within the last three calendar years that significantly advances knowledge of the social and economic history of the ancient Mediterranean (ca. 3000 BCE – 800 CE).

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Single- or co-authored academic monographs published by an academic press.

  • Works must integrate textual, material, and/or scientific evidence in innovative ways.

  • Languages accepted: English, French, German, or Italian.

  • Edited volumes are not eligible; synthetic or methodological monographs are welcome.

2. CASAM Dissertation Book Prize

Next award year: 2027

This prize recognizes the most outstanding first book based on a doctoral dissertation, published within the past three years, that makes a substantial contribution to the field.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • First monographs based on a successfully defended doctoral thesis.

  • Must be published by an academic press within three years of the defense.

  • Open to authors of all nationalities.

  • Submissions accepted in English, French, German, or Italian.

3. CASAM Prize for Interdisciplinary Research

Next award year: 2028

This prize rewards an interdisciplinary journal article published in the past three years that breaks new ground in integrating historical, archaeological, and scientific data to explore themes in the social and economic history of the ancient Mediterranean.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles exemplifying methodological innovation.

  • Co-authored works are welcome.

  • Articles may address topics such as archaeogenetics, climate history, environmental modeling, historical demography, or related fields.

  • Submissions accepted in English, French, German, or Italian.

Nomination Process (for all prizes)

Nominations may be submitted by authors, scholars, or publishers. Each nomination must include:

  • A PDF of the work or a physical copy submitted to the prize committee.

  • A brief nomination letter (max. 2 pages) explaining the significance of the work.

  • A short CV of the author(s).

Nomination deadline: March 1 of the award year.

Prize Committee

The CASAM Prize Committee consists of three rotating members selected from CASAM’s senior fellows and affiliated scholars. The committee represents a balance of expertise across ancient history, archaeology, economic and environmental history, and related interdisciplinary fields.

Prize and Recognition

The winner of each prize receives 1,500 EUR. The award is announced each summer and presented at a CASAM public event.

Current Call for Nominations

CASAM Book Prize for the Best Monograph — Call for Submissions 2026

CASAM invites nominations for its 2026 Book Prize for the Best Monograph in the Social and Economic History of the Ancient Mediterranean.

Eligibility

  • Academic monographs (single- or co-authored) published between January 1, 2022 and October 31, 2025.

  • Must demonstrate outstanding scholarly contribution and methodological innovation.

  • Accepted languages: English, French, German, or Italian.

  • Edited volumes are not eligible.

Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025

Award Amount: €1,500

Prize Announcement: Summer 2026

Award Ceremony: The prize will be formally awarded during a public event organized by CASAM.

Nominations may be submitted by:

  • Authors

  • Publishers

  • Colleagues or other scholars

Required Submission Materials:

  • Full PDF of the nominated monograph (or physical copy, if requested)

  • Nomination letter (max. 2 pages)

  • Short CV of the author(s)

Where to Submit: Please submit nominations electronically to: EMAIL COMING SOON.