Bernard LEGRAS

Bernard LEGRAS is a distinguished Professor of Greek history at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, where he currently serves as Director of the School of History at La Sorbonne (UFR 09) since 2021. He has held numerous significant academic positions including Vice-president of the Academic Council at Paris 1 University (2012-2016) and Secularism Officer and Anti-Semitism/Racism Officer at Paris 1 University since 2015. Internationally, he serves as Vice President of the International Association for the Study of Ancient Egyptian Law (AIDEA) and was Former President of SOPHAU (2010-2012).

LEGRAS earned his Doctorate in History from the University of Paris 1 in 1991, followed by a Graduate degree from EPHE, IVth Section in Legal Papyrology in 1995, and received his Accreditation to Supervise Research from University of Paris 1 in 2003. His academic career progressed from Lecturer at University of Poitiers (1991-1994) to Lecturer at University of Paris 1 (1994-2004), Professor at University of Reims (2004-2008), and Professor at University of Paris 1 since 2008.

His research focuses on the History of the Hellenistic world, Hellenistic and Roman Egypt, Greek papyrology, Greek and Hellenistic Law, Greek Education, and Cultural transfers. His work demonstrates particular expertise in Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra VII, Greek legal traditions, and the cultural interactions between Greek and Egyptian societies. LEGRAS has published extensively on topics ranging from gender relations and education to military organization and legal systems in ancient Egypt.

His recent publications (2019-2025) reveal a continued focus on Cleopatra VII's reign, Ptolemaic administration, and cultural identity in Hellenistic Egypt, with increasing attention to themes of race, gender, and multiculturalism in ancient societies. His work bridges traditional papyrological analysis with broader cultural and social historical approaches.

• Zappas Prize 2000 awarded by the Association for the Encouragement of Greek Studies in France

As Director of the university diploma 'Knowledge of secularism' and Secularism Officer at Paris 1 University, LEGRAS has been actively involved in contemporary issues of religious neutrality while maintaining his research focus on ancient legal and cultural systems. His extensive publication record, including monographs, edited volumes, and numerous articles, demonstrates sustained scholarly productivity across multiple decades.