Theodor Mommsen

German classical scholar and historian (1817–1903)

Christian Matthias Theodor Mommsen (German pronunciation: [ˈteːodoːɐ̯ ˈmɔmzn̩] (audio speaker iconlisten); 30 November 1817 – 1 November 1903) was a German classical scholar, historian, jurist, journalist, politician and archaeologist.[1] Professor of University of Wrocław, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest classicists of the 19th century. His work regarding Roman history is still of fundamental importance for contemporary research. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1902 for being "the greatest living master of the art of historical writing, with special reference to his monumental work, A History of Rome", after having been nominated by 18 members of the Prussian Academy of Sciences.[2][3] He was also a prominent German politician, as a member of the Prussian and German parliaments. His works on Roman law and on the law of obligations had a significant impact on the German civil code.

Theodor Mommsen
Born
Christian Matthias Theodor Mommsen

(1817-11-30)30 November 1817
Died1 November 1903(1903-11-01) (aged 85)
EducationGymnasium Christianeum
University of Kiel
AwardsPour le Mérite (civil class)
Nobel Prize in Literature
1902
Scientific career
FieldsClassical scholar, jurist, ancient historian
InstitutionsUniversity of Leipzig
University of Zurich
University of Breslau
University of Berlin
Notable studentsWilhelm Dilthey
Eduard Schwartz
Otto Seeck

References

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  1. "Theodor Mommsen". www.nndb.com. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  2. "The Nobel Prize in Literature 1902". nobelprize.org. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  3. "Nomination Database". www.nobelprize.org. Retrieved 19 March 2018.