John Bagnell Bury (1861-1927) was an Irish historian and philologist. He is best known for his work on the history of the late Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.
Early Life and Education:
- Born in Ireland in 1861. - Studied at Trinity College Dublin, where he excelled in classics and linguistics. - Completed his PhD at the University of Leipzig in 1887.
Academic Career:
- Professor of Modern History at Trinity College Dublin from 1893 to 1902. - Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Cambridge from 1903 to 1927. - Published numerous books and articles on Greek and Roman history.
Contributions to History:
- Byzantine Empire: Bury's work on the Byzantine Empire is considered groundbreaking. His "History of the Later Roman Empire from Arcadius to Irene" (1889) provided a comprehensive account of the period from 395 to 802 CE. - Late Roman Empire: Bury also wrote extensively about the late Roman Empire. His "History of the Roman Empire from its Foundation to the Death of Marcus Aurelius" (1893) remains an authoritative work on the subject. - Historiography: Bury was a distinguished historian who emphasized the importance of scientific objectivity and accuracy in historical research. He rejected idealistic and romantic approaches to history and advocated for a rigorous examination of the evidence. - Philology: Bury was also a noted philologist, specializing in the study of ancient and medieval Greek. He produced editions and commentaries of several Greek texts, including the "Hymn to the Sun" of Proclus and the "Periplus of the Black Sea" of Arrian.
Honors and Awards:
- Fellow of the British Academy - Member of the Royal Irish Academy - Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oxford
Legacy:
J.B. Bury was one of the most influential historians of his time. His work on the Byzantine Empire and the late Roman Empire shaped the field of classical and medieval history. His emphasis on scientific objectivity and rigorous research methods continues to influence historians today.