Lisa Bitel

Lisa Bitel serves as Dean's Professor of Religion & Professor of History at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in History from Harvard University in 1987 and has established herself as a prominent scholar in medieval European history and religious studies.

Professor Bitel specializes in the social, cultural, and religious history of medieval Europe with particular focus on gender dynamics, religious apparitions, and medieval Irish literature. Her research spans topics including saints' lives, religious visions, gender studies in historical contexts, and the evolution of religious traditions. She has authored books examining religion and gender in early medieval Europe, religious apparitions in contemporary California, and most recently published 'OTHERWORLD: Nine Tales of Wonder and Romance from Medieval Ireland' (OUP 2024).

Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with how religious beliefs and practices evolve across time, particularly examining the intersection of pagan traditions with Christian practices. Bitel frequently analyzes how historical narratives are constructed and reconstructed, with special attention to women's roles in religious history and the transformation of ancient traditions into modern celebrations.

Professor Bitel maintains an active public intellectual presence through The Conversation, where she translates complex historical research for broader audiences. Her writing bridges academic scholarship with contemporary cultural understanding, making medieval history accessible and relevant to modern readers.