A.D. Xenopol

Alexandru Dimitrie Xenopol was a prominent Romanian historian, philosopher, professor, economist, sociologist, and author, born in Iași on March 23, 1847, and died on February 27, 1920. He is renowned for authoring the first comprehensive synthesis of the history of the Romanian people. Xenopol's scholarly contributions include his assertion of the predominantly Roman origin of Romanians, a viewpoint that significantly influenced subsequent historical discourse. His work "Les Principes fondamentaux de l'histoire" (The Fundamental Principles of History), published in French in 1899, posited history as a science governed by discernible laws and logic, allowing for the clear definition of historical processes. He served as a professor of universal history at the University of Iași from 1883 and was its rector from 1898 to 1901. He was also elected a member of the Romanian Academy in 1893. Despite his academic achievements, Xenopol's legacy is complex, as he is also noted for antisemitic views and associations.