A renowned Byzantinist who shed light on the medieval Eastern Roman Empire, and a politician who served as Greece's Minister of Culture.
Angeliki Laiou was a Greek-American Byzantinist and politician, renowned for her exceptional contributions to the fields of Byzantine studies and politics. As a distinguished professor, she held the prestigious Dumbarton Oaks Professorship of Byzantine Studies at Harvard University from 1981 until her passing in 2008.
Born on April 6, 1941, in Athens, Greece, Angeliki Laiou came from a Greek family from Agios Gergios in Boeotia. She pursued her higher education at the University of Athens, where she studied under the guidance of the esteemed Greek Byzantinist, Dionysios Zakythinos. This experience sparked her interest in the Byzantine Empire, which would later become a cornerstone of her academic career.
Laiou then moved to Brandeis University, where she earned her BA in 1961. She went on to complete her postgraduate course and received her PhD from Harvard University in 1966, under the supervision of Robert Lee Wolff, a leading historian of the Crusades. Her doctoral thesis, which explored the foreign policy of Andronicus II from 1282 to 1328, laid the foundation for her first book, published in 1972.
Laiou's academic journey was marked by her dedication to Byzantine studies. She began her teaching career at the University of Louisiana in 1962, before returning to Harvard, where she stayed from 1966 to 1972, initially as an instructor and later as an assistant professor. Her next move was to Brandeis University, where she remained until 1981, earning the title of distinguished professor.
In 1981, Laiou returned to Harvard to occupy the prestigious Dumbarton Oaks Professorship of Byzantine Studies, a position she held until her passing. During this period, she also served as the head of Harvard's History Department from 1985 to 1988 and as the director of Dumbarton Oaks from 1989 to 1998.
In addition to her academic achievements, Laiou was an accomplished politician. From 2000 to 2002, she served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament for the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK). During her tenure, she held the position of Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs for six months in 2000.
Angeliki Laiou's contributions to Byzantine studies and politics have left an indelible mark on both fields. Her academic works continue to inspire and inform scholars, while her political endeavors have promoted a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations.
Through her remarkable career, Laiou demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education, research, and public service. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedicated scholarship and the importance of engaging with the world beyond the academic sphere.
Laiou received numerous awards and honors for her outstanding contributions to Byzantine studies, including the Humboldt Prize and the Order of the Golden Cross of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Apart from her academic and political achievements, Laiou's personal life was marked by her love for her family and her commitment to her heritage. She was married to her husband, Thomas G. Yiannopoulos, and had two children, Anastasia and Dimitri.
Angeliki Laiou's remarkable journey, marked by her academic prowess, public service, and personal resilience, continues to inspire generations of scholars and public servants alike.
Born in 1083
A Byzantine physician and scholar who wrote the Alexiad, a historical account of her father's reign, and made significant contributions to the field of medicine. She is also known for her literary talent and historical insight.
