Dominique Charpin

Dominique Charpin (born 1954) is a French Assyriologist and Professor at the Collège de France, holding the chair of Mesopotamian Civilization. A corresponding member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, he specializes in the Old Babylonian ('Amorrite') period of Mesopotamian history. His work bridges epigraphy, archaeology, and political analysis, with field experience in Iraq (Larsa) and Syria (Mari).

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree (1971)
• Agrégation of history (1976)
• Doctoral dissertation: Archives familiales et propriété privée en Babylonie ancienne (1979)
• Doctorate thesis: Le Clergé d'Ur au siècle d'Hammurabi (1984)

Research Focus: Charpin's scholarship centers on Mesopotamian society, law, religion, and diplomacy during the Old Babylonian era. His excavation work and cuneiform tablet analysis have contributed significantly to understanding temple economies, kinship structures, and interstate alliances in ancient Mesopotamia.

• Scientific Awards:
• Knight of the French Order of Academic Palms
• Prix Saintour (Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, 1987)
• Prix du Budget (Institut de France, 2004)
• Honorary Degree, University of Chicago (2021)

Leadership Roles: Charpin directs the Revue d'assyriologie, chairs the Society for the Study of the Ancient Near East, and co-directs the Archives Royales de Mari collection. He also contributes to the UMR 7192 research unit focused on Near Eastern languages and cultures.