Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, the distinguished Greek-French historian who broke centuries of tradition to become the first woman to serve as rector of the Sorbonne University in Paris, died Monday. She was 99.
Her death was confirmed by Greek media and academic institutions in France.
Born Eleni Glykatzi in Athens on Aug. 29, 1926, to refugee parents from Asia Minor, Mrs. Glykatzi-Ahrweiler’s early life was shaped by the hardships of the German occupation during World War II.
As a teenager, she joined the resistance through EPON, the youth wing of the National Liberation Front, forging a lifelong commitment to human dignity.
Despite postwar barriers for women in academia, she excelled at the University of Athens. When a professor suggested she switch to philology because the Archaeological Service barred women, Mrs. Glykatzi-Ahrweiler famously replied that she would pursue history even if it meant selling lemons in Omonia Square to survive.
In a striking paradox, the young leftist volunteered as a secretary to Queen Frederica when the palace sought a fluent French and English speaker.
When a letter denounced her as a "marked communist," the Queen reportedly dismissed the accusation, keeping her on for her meticulous work.
Mrs. Glykatzi-Ahrweiler moved to Paris in 1953, where she earned her doctorate and rose to prominence as a leading Byzantinist.
In 1976, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first female rector in the 700-year history of the Sorbonne.
Throughout her career, she championed independence, often citing her personal motto: "With eyes on the sky and feet on the ground, relentlessly chase your dream."
She is survived by her daughter, Ms. Marie-Hélène Ahrweiler.