Hosted by the Department of History and Archaeology, University of Crete

The Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Crete is pleased to host the third edition of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), titled “The Commons, Past and Present”. This programme is organized in collaboration with the Universities Lumière Lyon 2, Lodz, and welcomes the University of Sassari as a new partner for this edition.

Building on the success of the previous BIP editions held in Lyon in 2023 (“European Citizenships”) and 2024 (“Mobilities and Migrations over Time”), coordinated by Prof. Monica Martinat (Université Lumière Lyon 2), this collaboration continues to foster interdisciplinary interaction among academics and students on themes vital to contemporary European societies, examined through a historical lens.

In 2025, the University of Crete takes the lead, focusing on the theme “The Commons, Past and Present”. This topic maintains the programme’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and addresses issues of significant relevance today. “Commons” can be broadly understood as natural and, increasingly, cultural resources accessible to members of a society, whether publicly or privately owned. The complexity and evolving nature of the commons throughout history necessitate a diachronic investigation and collaboration between historians and social scientists.

Programme Objectives:

• To provide interdisciplinary tools for understanding the commons as shared resources managed for individual and collective benefit.
• To emphasize the European and global dimensions of the topic.
• To combine academic discussion with case studies and a practical field exercise.
• To leverage the unique context of Crete, an Eastern Mediterranean island facing challenges of climate change and finite resources, making it a focal point for discussions on sustainable resource, landscape, and heritage management.

Following the successful completion of the online component of this Blended Intensive Programme, we are now excited to announce the in-person week. This intensive week will be hosted by the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Crete campus in Rethymno.

Dates: April 7th – April 11th, 2025

Location: University of Crete, Rethymno Campus (Lecture Room 9, Faculty of Letters Lecture Halls) [1, 4]

Programme Coordinators:

Associate Professor Eleni Sakellariou & Associate Professor Eleftheria Zei, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Crete.

Detailed Programme: In-Presence Week (April 7-11, 2025)

Location: Lecture Room 9, University Campus, Rethymno, 74100 Gallos. [4] Lunch breaks will typically be at the University Campus Restaurant. [5]