François de Callataÿ

François de Callataÿ is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in Hellenistic history. He holds multiple prestigious academic positions: professor at the Free University of Brussels, director of studies at the École pratique des hautes études in Paris, and head of department at the Royal Library of Belgium.

His research focuses on:

• Archaeology and art history of the Hellenistic period
• Numismatics (study of coins)
• Ancient Egyptian history and culture
• The representation and reception of historical figures, particularly Cleopatra
• Aesthetics and cultural interpretation

Professor de Callataÿ's recent work examines the evolving image of Cleopatra throughout history, analyzing how cultural biases and contemporary perspectives have shaped her representation over centuries. His research reveals how Cleopatra's image has been increasingly sexualized and culturally reinterpreted, reflecting changing societal attitudes rather than historical accuracy. His approach combines archaeological evidence with cultural analysis to separate historical fact from modern mythmaking.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Francqui Prize in 2007, and he maintains dual membership in the Royal Academy of Belgium (Class of Letters and Moral and Political Sciences) and the Institut de France (as a foreign corresponding member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres).

Professor de Callataÿ's work bridges academic research and public understanding of classical antiquity, making significant contributions to how contemporary society engages with historical narratives and cultural memory.