Eleni Glykatzi-Arveler, the distinguished Byzantine scholar and the first woman to serve as President of the History Department at the University of Paris-Sorbonne and later as Rector of the Sorbonne, has passed away at the age of 99. Details regarding her funeral are expected to be announced in the coming hours.
A Pioneer in Byzantine Studies and Academic Leadership
Glykatzi-Arveler was far more than an eminent historian. She was a formidable intellectual presence who reshaped the field of Byzantine studies and broke barriers in European academia. As the first woman Rector of the Sorbonne, she carved a path in a traditionally male-dominated academic world, becoming a symbol of excellence and perseverance.
Her scholarship on the Byzantine Empire, medieval Hellenism, and the continuity of Greek civilization earned her international recognition. Throughout her life, she combined rigorous academic research with public engagement, often addressing broader cultural and historical debates.
The Controversial Theory on Alexander the Great
In December 2023, Glykatzi-Arveler sparked renewed public and academic debate with a bold claim during an interview with “Tetradia Politismou.” She challenged the prevailing view of the Greek archaeological community regarding the tomb at Vergina.
She argued that the tomb traditionally attributed to Philip II actually belongs to Alexander the Great.
“This is the only truly great thing I have done. I am that certain,” she stated emphatically.
To support her argument, she presented six key points:
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The ivory figurine believed to depict Alexander
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A frieze representation of an event that, according to her, must have already taken place before being illustrated
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Alexander’s initial wish to be buried in his homeland
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The chronological gap between his known burial and the construction of the mausoleum
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The height of the deceased, which she argued aligned more closely with Alexander than Philip II
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The presence of huntite, a mineral from Egypt found in the tomb
She maintained that, when considered together, these elements formed a compelling case that could not be ignored.
Clash with the Archaeological Establishment
Her position directly confronted decades of archaeological consensus attributing the Vergina tomb to Philip II. When asked why Greek archaeologists had not embraced her theory, she responded sharply:
“It is not acceptable that for at least 50 years Greek archaeologists may have had Alexander and never examined it.”
Pressed further on whether experts found her arguments insufficient, she answered bluntly: “Of course…”
And when asked if she believed history would vindicate her, she replied:
“When the next generation of archaeologists comes—those who were present at the excavation—and when I am no longer alive…”
A Legacy of Intellectual Courage
Glykatzi-Arveler often admitted that she felt a personal need to repeat her conviction:
“I feel the need. I believe it is the only truly great thing I have done. I am that certain.”
Whether her theory about Alexander the Great is ultimately confirmed or not, her intellectual audacity left a lasting mark on historical discourse. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the evolving nature of history—never static, always open to reinterpretation.
With her passing, the academic world loses not only a pioneering Byzantine scholar but also a fearless voice who believed that even the most established historical narratives deserve to be questioned.
