One of the most important figures in intellectual and academic circles in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century, is being honored by the Department of History and Archaeology of Aristotle University, which is organizing an international scientific conference entitled “Georgios Sotiriadis: the archaeologist, historian, and philologist, first Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.”

The conference, which will take place on Thursday, January 15, and Friday, January 16, 2026, at KEDEA, is dedicated to the life and multifaceted work of Georgios Sotiriadis (1852-1942), the first Rector of Aristotle University and a distinguished archaeologist, historian, and philologist. The Opening Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Twenty-two scientists from universities and research institutions in Greece, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, attempting to shed light on unknown aspects of the personality and work of Georgios Sotiriadis, as well as his contribution to the formation of Greek archaeological and historical science.

A pioneer in archaeological research

Georgios Sotiriadis was born in Ottoman-ruled Sidirokastro in the “Macedonian Homeland,” as he used to refer to his place of origin. He studied at the Universities of Athens and Munich. He was one of the first curators of the Archaeological Society of Athens and then of the Archaeological Service, as well as one of the pioneers of archaeology in Greece in general. According to the organizers, during his professional career, he carried out important and fundamental excavations and research in Aetolia, Attica, Boeotia, Phocis, Phthiotis, and Epirus. His excavation activity did not stop even during his term as rector of Aristotle University, as he inaugurated the first university excavation in Dion, Pieria, in 1928.

According to the organizers, his work as a historian and philologist was particularly rich and distinctive, writing seminal works that marked the political and scientific developments of his time. He served research in every possible capacity as an archaeologist, university teacher, author, and translator, and was closely associated with leading politicians and writers of his time.

The proceedings of the Conference are aimed at specialist scientists, archaeologists, historians, philologists, the student community, and the general public.

The conference is being held as part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the founding and operation of Aristotle University.

Further information and the conference program are available at:https://www.hist.auth.gr/administration_annou/diethnes-epistimoniko-synedrio-georgios-sotiriadis/