The making of Europe

Αρβελέρ Ελένη

Helene Ahrweiler’s knowledge of science, history, politics, language,
culture and ethics has led her in diverse directions. A professor at
the University of Sorbonne since 1967, Ahrweiler serves as president of
the European University, the Committee of the Ethics of the National
Centre for Scientific Research (France), the European Cultural Centre
of Delphi (Greece), the Association D. Chostakovitsh, and the Advisory
Council of the National Theater (Athens).
A prominent byzantinist, Ahrweiler is honorary president of the
International Committee of Byzantine Studies. She also has been
president of the University of Paris, Rector of the Academy, Chancellor
of the Universities of Paris and President of the Georges Pompidou
Centre – Beaubourg.
Her academic career has earned her widespread recognition, among them
being membership in the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Belgium,
the Academy of Berlin, the Academy of Science of Bulgaria,
correspondent member of the Academy of Athens and honorary medal of the
Polish Academy of Science. She also is Honorary Doctor «Causa» of the
Universities of London, New York, Belgrade, Haifa, Lima, of the Harvard
University, the American University of Paris, of the School of the High
Studies in Politic and Social Studies of Athens and of University of
New Brunswick of Canada.
Among the honorary distinctions that France has awarded her are:
Officer of the Legion of Honour, Commander of the National Order of
Merit, Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, Officer of the Order
of the Academic Palms, Gold Star of Patriotism. Honors accorded her
outside France include: High Officer of the Mexican Order of the Aztee
Eagle, Commander of the Icelandinc Order of the Great Falcon, Commander
of the Hellenic Legion of Honour, Commander of the National Order of
the Oak Crown of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Grand Silver Order of
Honour, with Bar, of the Republic of Austria, Commander of the Order of
Merit of the Republic of Argentina, Commander of the Royal Danish Order
of Danneborg, Commander of the Order of Science, Letters and Arts of
the Republic of Portugal, Commander of the Order of Merit of the
Republic of Italy, Member of the Olympic Order, Honorary Citizen of the
Island of Chios, Honorary Citizen of the Town of Sparta.
Ahrweiler earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Athens and
is doctorated in History and Letters from the Sorbonne.