Jacqueline de Romilly was a very remarkable woman

De Romilly’s academic journey began at the Lycée Fénelon in Paris, where she excelled as a student. She then attended the prestigious école Normale Supérieure, one of France’s most renowned institutions for higher education. During her time there, she studied classical literature and philosophy, sparked her lifelong passion for the Ancient Greek language and culture. Her dedication and intellect quickly garnered her recognition, and she earned multiple accolades and scholarships, including the highly esteemed Agrégation in 1937.

After completing her education, de Romilly embarked on a teaching career at various institutions, including the University of Lille and the University of Reims. However, it wasn’t until 1957 that she joined the faculty at the Sorbonne, one of the world’s most prestigious universities. This marked a turning point in her career, as she became the first woman to hold a chair in Greek language and literature at the institution. Not only did she break the gender barrier, but she also paved the way for female scholars to enter traditionally male-dominated fields.

De Romilly’s impact extended beyond her groundbreaking position at the Sorbonne. Known for her profound expertise in Greek literature, she published numerous scholarly works that solidified her reputation as a leading authority. She explored topics ranging from tragedy and comedy to the influence of Greek philosophy on modern society. Her books, such as “The Great Sophists in Periclean Athens” and “The Mind of Thucydides,” showcased her intellectual prowess and ability to bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary thought.

However, de Romilly’s contributions weren’t limited to academia alone. She understood the importance of making classical literature and culture accessible to a wider audience. Through her public lectures, radio appearances, and television debates, she reached people from all walks of life, enlightening them about the richness of Greek history and its relevance to the modern world. Her ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner made her an influential figure in popularizing classical studies.

De Romilly’s dedication to education extended beyond the confines of the university. During her lifetime, she actively engaged in promoting the importance of education among young people and advocated for reforms in the French education system. She firmly believed that knowledge and critical thinking were crucial for individuals to thrive in a democratic society.

Throughout her career, Jacqueline de Romilly was honored with numerous awards and recognitions for her exceptional contributions. She was elected to the distinguished Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, the second woman to achieve such a distinction since its establishment in 1663. Her commitment to bridging the gap between academia and society was recognized by the highest authorities in France.

Jacqueline de Romilly’s legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and enthusiasts of classical studies. Her brilliance, passion, and pioneering spirit made her a trailblazer in her field and a living testament to the power of education. Through her work, she not only shed light on the beauty of Greek literature and culture but also left an indelible mark on the importance of contributions to academia and society at large.