François de Callatay

François de Callatay is a distinguished Professor at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (since 2008) and former Professor at the École pratique des hautes études (Paris/Sorbonne, 1998-2022). He holds leadership roles including Vice-President of the International Numismatic Council (since 2022) and was President of the Collège Belgique (2016-2018). His research focuses on ancient numismatics, the ancient Mediterranean economy, and the reception of classical antiquity in modern pop culture.

Education & Positions
- Professor, Université Libre de Bruxelles (2008–present)
- Professor, École pratique des hautes études (Paris/Sorbonne, 1998–2022)
- Former Head of Heritage Collections, Royal Library of Belgium (1996–2011)
- Chief Curator of the Coin Cabinet, Royal Library of Belgium (1994–2006)

Research Interests
Explores Black Sea studies, gender dynamics in antiquity, and the economic role of coinage in the ancient Mediterranean. Notable work includes analyzing Cleopatra's cultural legacy and Mithridatic Wars through numismatic evidence.

Awards & Recognition
- 2007 Francqui Award (Belgium's highest scientific honor)
- Archer Huntington Medal (2008)
- Elected to multiple national and international academies (since 1990)
- Honorary Doctorate from Sofia University (2022)

Publications
Focuses on numismatic analysis of ancient political and economic systems, including works on the Seleucid/Ptolemaic empires and Cleopatra's cultural symbolism.