Charles Rollin

Born in Paris in 1661, Charles Rollin rose from modest beginnings to become one of France’s best-known educators and historians. The son of a cutler, he earned a scholarship, studied at the Collège du Plessis, and went on to build a distinguished academic career in Paris.

Rollin served as rector of the University of Paris and became especially known for his efforts to strengthen classical learning, including the study of Greek. He also wrote about education itself, arguing for humane teaching and the moral purpose of learning.

Today he is remembered above all for his widely read historical works, especially Ancient History and Roman History. Though written for readers of his own time, these books carried his reputation across Europe and kept his name alive long after his death in 1741.