Charles Rollin

Born in Paris in 1661, Charles Rollin rose from modest beginnings to become one of France's best-known teachers and scholars. He studied at the Collège du Plessis, later taught there, and built a strong reputation as an eloquent and thoughtful educator.

Rollin served as rector of the University of Paris and was also principal of the Collège de Beauvais. He is especially remembered for his efforts to reform education and for writing about teaching in a way that stressed moral development as well as learning.

His lasting fame came from his historical works, especially his widely read accounts of ancient civilizations. Written in an accessible style, they reached far beyond the classroom and remained influential long after his death in 1741.