How did the German concept of Altertumswissenschaft change the study of antiquity?

The German concept of Altertumswissenschaft (the "science of antiquity") fundamentally transformed the study of the ancient world by emphasizing the unity of the various disciplines involved in understanding ancient Greece and Rome.1

Defined by F.A. Wolf in the late 18th century, this approach moved beyond a narrow focus on language and literature to map out the constituent principles and provinces of antiquity as a whole. It encouraged scholars to enter into the spirit of the past by integrating diverse fields, including:2

• Art and Archaeology: Scholars like J.J. Winckelmann and K.O. Müller demonstrated that artistic monuments and material remains were essential to interpreting ancient culture.2
• Systematic Research: The movement fostered a more rigorous, professionalized academic environment, characterized by the use of seminars, technical monographs, and specialized journals.3
• Interdisciplinary Breadth: It incorporated the study of inscriptions, private and public economy, mythology, and comparative linguistics, ensuring that the study of antiquity was grounded in a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of ancient life.2

By establishing this holistic framework, Altertumswissenschaft elevated classical scholarship into a structured, multifaceted scientific endeavor.12