Angeliki Laiou

Angeliki Laiou (1941-2008)

Angeliki E. Laiou (1941 – 2008) was a distinguished historian specializing in the Byzantine Empire, economic history, and the Mediterranean world. She was a professor at Harvard University and served as the Director of the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, a renowned center for Byzantine studies located in Washington, D.C. Laiou made significant contributions to the understanding of Byzantine economic and social history, and her work has been influential in shaping contemporary perspectives on the medieval Mediterranean world.

Early Life and Education

Angeliki Laiou was born in Athens, Greece, in 1941. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Athens, where she developed an interest in history. Laiou continued her education in the United States, earning a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the economic history of the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for her future research and academic career.

Academic Career

After completing her Ph.D., Laiou embarked on an academic career that saw her teaching at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, where she became the first woman to hold a tenured position in the history department. Laiou's research primarily focused on the economic and social structures of the Byzantine Empire, exploring themes such as trade, agriculture, and the role of women in Byzantine society.

Throughout her career, Laiou authored and edited numerous books and articles that have become key texts in the field of Byzantine studies. Her work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from archaeology, numismatics, and legal history into her analysis of Byzantine economic systems.

Contributions to Byzantine Studies

One of Laiou's most notable contributions to Byzantine studies was her role in editing "The Economic History of Byzantium," a comprehensive three-volume work that provides an in-depth analysis of the Byzantine economy from the fourth to the fifteenth century. This monumental work brought together contributions from leading scholars in the field and is considered a seminal text in Byzantine economic history.

Laiou also served as the Director of Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, where she played a key role in fostering research and scholarship in Byzantine studies. Under her leadership, Dumbarton Oaks became a vibrant academic community that attracted scholars from around the world.

Legacy

Angeliki Laiou passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential Byzantine historians of her generation. Her work continues to inspire scholars in the field of Byzantine studies and beyond, and her contributions to the understanding of the medieval Mediterranean world remain invaluable.

Laiou's dedication to scholarship and her pioneering role as a woman in academia have also served as an inspiration for generations of historians. Her impact on the field of Byzantine studies and her commitment to advancing research and scholarship are remembered and celebrated by colleagues and students alike.