In Memoriam: Professor Dame Averil Cameron (1940–2026)
It is with great sorrow that the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies shares the news that Professor Dame Averil Cameron, our former President and dear friend, has passed away. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and her work.
The Society invites members and colleagues to share their memories of Dame Cameron. If you wish to contribute a short tribute or share a photograph, please email the Webmaster at webmaster@byzantium.ac.uk. These will be published on this dedicated memorial page.
You may read the obituary published by Victoria Leonard, a research fellow at the Institute of Classical Studies, University of London, in The Guardian, here.
Ανακοίνωση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Κέντρου Βυζαντινών Ερευνών του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης
Announcement of the Administrative Council of the Centre for Byzantine Research of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Dame Averil Cameron (1940 – 2026)
A few days ago, the world of Byzantine studies and culture bid a deeply sorrowful farewell to the distinguished British Byzantinist and academician Dame Averil Cameron.
Dame Averil Cameron was born in 1940 and studied at Oxford. She was professor of Ancient History and Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at King’s College London and a professor of Late Antique and Byzantine History at Oxford. She served as Warden of Keble College, Oxford, and President of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research, and was the first Director of the Centre for Hellenic Studies at King’s College London.
Her extensive research and writing work focused on the history and culture of Late Antiquity and Byzantium, and her teaching had a decisive influence on hundreds of scholars. Dame Averil Cameron’s presence was a fixture at all major academic gatherings and conferences of Byzantinists worldwide.
She was awarded honorary doctorates from the Universities of Warwick, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, and Queen’s University Belfast. She was a member of the British Academy. She received the honorary distinction of Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE).
The Center for Byzantine Research of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has the honor to include Dame Averil Cameron among its Corresponding Members since March 12, 2014, in recognition of her teaching work and her invaluable international research and scholarly contributions to the study of Late Antiquity and Byzantium. On the occasion of her proclamation, Dame Averil Cameron delivered a keynote address to the packed Center titled “Byzantium Today.”
Dame Averil Cameron’s unique and unwavering connection to the Byzantine archaeology of Thessaloniki was also expressed in practice through the letter she boldly signed in 2021 to the Greek state in favor of the in-situ rescue and preservation of the “uniquely important antiquities” uncovered at Venizelos Station “as they constitute a rare Byzantine urban landscape,” uniting her voice with all the eminent Byzantinologists of the world.
The Administrative Council of the Center for Byzantine Research of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki respectfully submits this text as a minimum tribute to the memory of the distinguished Byzantinist.
The President,
Melina Paisidou
The members,
Christos Arampatzis, Vice President
Ilias Taxidis
Alexandros Liarmakopoulos
Sophocles Kotsopoulos
From Members of the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies
When I worked for the Prosopography of the Byzantine Empire (PBE) while Averil was chair of the committee in succession to Robert Browning, I gave a presentation on PBE, what we did and how we hoped it would contribute to knowledge. My main point was that in amassing all the information about each individual, more often than not, what came out was the shades of grey: nothing was black/white contrasts. The paper had a very uninspired working title that I no longer recall. Averil and the rest of the audience knew I wasn’t happy with the title. At one point she lent across the table and (totally unexpectedly to me at least) said “What about A Whiter Shade of Pale? for your title” [the Procol Harum song]. I published the paper under that title.
Dion Smythe
In Memory of Averil
I heard of Averil’s passing from the Sociedad Española de Bizantinística while travelling from Salerno to Rome.
I believe I first met Averil in 1993 at the SPBS meeting held in Exeter College, Oxford. Geoffrey Greatrex had invited me to step in to play the role of ‘Belisarius’ in a performed reading of Byzantium by Francis Warner, in Exeter’s Chapel. Afterwards, Averil approached me with a characteristic mixture of generosity and precision, offering kind words about my portrayal. It was a small moment, yet one that stayed with me and marked the beginning of many years of encounters shaped by her encouragement and intellectual generosity.
Over the decades that followed, I saw her often at Oxford seminars and related international gatherings. Even when we knew each other only slightly, she extended a trust and collegiality that were deeply felt. On one occasion she lent me her only copy of her 1967 paperback translation of Procopius. That was a gesture that spoke volumes about her openness and her instinct to support others. She later appreciated its timely return, but the greater gift was the confidence she placed in me.
I had the privilege of presenting at a colloquium at Keble College that Averil convened and chaired for postgraduate students from Oxford, Birmingham, and perhaps London. As the only independent scholar present, I found myself under close scrutiny by some postgrads after my paper until Averil intervened with a calm and decisive, “He’s got a point.” The atmosphere shifted immediately. Her authority was never loud, but it was unmistakable, and it was always exercised with fairness.
During my MSt at Oxford in 2011–12, we spoke about the privilege of researching Byzantium: a sentiment she embodied in her scholarship and in her mentorship. She continued to support my work long after, including during the Procopius conference at Corpus Christi College in 2014. She generously contributed the opening chapter to the Routledge volume Procopius of Caesarea: Literary and Historical Interpretations (2018) and offered thoughtful guidance throughout the editing process.
One of my fondest memories is of her accepting my invitation to a guest night dinner at the school where I taught in Summertown, Oxford. She made a deep impression on the Headmaster and guests alike, as she did on so many who encountered her. My wife, Marina, later told me that during the evening Averil, with her characteristic modesty and gentle humour, remarked that, as she had been made a Dame, there were now “too many”, which is a comment that captured both her self-effacing nature and her quiet wit.
As Averil’s faith was an important part of her life, I lit a candle for her in the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, Rome. It felt like a fitting gesture for someone whose kindness, scholarship, and quiet strength illuminated the paths of so many.
Her influence endures in her work, in her students, and in all those she encouraged along the way. Thank you, Averil.
Christopher Lillington-Martin
Besides her pioneering scholarly achievements, Averil was an excellent teacher and a generous colleague. I first met her as a student at King’s College London. One of the modules she was teaching at the time was about the seventh century and the impact of the Arab expansion on the Christian communities of the Near East. Aware of my interest in the history of Cyprus, she suggested I write my first essay on the sources for the first Arab raids on the island, through which I duly ploughed. When a few weeks later she saw me in the corridor she asked me, in what at the time I perceived as her unmistakably stern manner, to meet in order to discuss my essay. Prepared as well as I could to be dressed down for my deficient work, on the agreed day I climbed with great trepidation the stairs to her office. What I got instead was the most constructive, helpful and encouraging words and advice for what was, after all, the first history essay I had ever written. This first encounter gave me a good sense of how a great scholar can also be a great teacher. It also revealed the kind human being behind the austere façade.
Later on, while Averil was Warden at Keble and I was pursuing doctoral research at Oxford, despite her busy schedule she would contact me when she saw an opportunity that she thought might be useful, be it an introduction to a visiting scholar or an invitation to a scholarly gathering. Without exception these proved beneficial.
When I joined as research assistant the Prosopography of the Byzantine World project, Averil was chairing its steering committee and I was supposed to act as secretary, drafting agendas, reports and minutes. Lacking any experience in such administrative duties, at the beginning it all looked rather daunting. Averil quickly turned it into a smooth and painless task through her patient guidance. The few sides to her character and personality that I had the good fortune to experience left an indelible mark, heaps of gratitude, admiration and enormous respect.
Tassos Papacostas
Just a quick note to express my sadness to upon learning of Averil’s death. I had seen her just in December as well as earlier last year – she even participated virtually in a panel discussion of her memoirs with a seminar in Cambridge, which I helped arrange (in March). I first met her in London in the early 1990s at a seminar on Procopius given by another scholar, Kate Adshead. Right from that first meeting, when I was just a doctoral student, she was kind and helpful. When I had just finished my doctorate, in 1994, she became Warden of Keble, and I remember helping her unpack her books in the lodgings. Over the following years, both when I was in England or after I had moved to Canada, she was invariably helpful and encouraging; I am indebted to her for her permission to adapt her excellent translation of Procopius’ Persian Wars to accompany my commentary. The breadth of her interests, going well beyond Byzantium and Late Antiquity, was remarkable and inspiring. Her loss is thus all the more keenly felt.
Geoffey Greatrex
I was deeply saddened by the sad news that Averil Cameron had died. Even though I have only met her three or four times during stays in Oxford and London, I was most impressed by the encounter with her at Keble College, where she had invited me when I was a visiting fellow at Exeter College in the spring term of 2004. I will never forget this meeting, but our conversation would have been different in some respects, if I had already known what I had learned from reading her masterful Transitions. A Historians Memoir…
Günter Prinzing
I share my condolences with you and all members of the SPBS.
Ljubomir Maksimović
Being completely astonished, I am really terribly sorry. My sincere condolences to all members of SPBS.
From AIEB Committees
It is very sad news.
May her rich contributions live forever.
Prof. Dr. Lida Miraj (Architect, Archaeologist, Restaurateur)
Professor, European University of Tirana.
President of the Albanian Association of Byzantine Studies, Tirana.
Such sad news. We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of a truly great scholar of Byzantium, whose work and dedication have left a lasting mark on the field.
May her memory be eternal.
On behalf of the Greek Committee
Taxiarchis Kolias and Theodora Antonopoulou
It was with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of a remarkable scientist and bright individual, Professor Averil Cameron. On behalf of the National Committee of Byzantine Studies of the Russian Federation, I extend our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
Sincerely yours,
Serghei Karpov, President of the RNC
We were very saddened to hear about the passing of Professor Averil Cameron, a remarkable scholar and inspiring person.
On behalf of the Swiss Committee for Byzantine Studies, I would like to express our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Manuela Studer-Karlen
A tremendous loss for all of us and for our studies, and a great sorrow for me personally.
Antonio Rigo
On behalf of the Georgian National Committee for Byzantine Studies, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Dame Averil Cameron. She was truly a great scientist and a wonderful person. This is a great loss for all of us.
May God rest her soul.
Erekle Jordania
Georgian National Committee of Byzantine Studies, President
On behalf of the Bulgarian Byzantinologists and Medievalists, I would like to express our deepest grief and condolences related to the passing of Averil Cameron. It is another irreparable loss for all of us.
Alexandar Nikolov,
President of the Bulgarian association.
On behalf of the Romanian Society for Byzantine Studies, we wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Dame Averil Cameron.
We received this sad news with profound sorrow. Dame Averil Cameron was one of the most influential and inspiring historians of Late Antiquity and Byzantium, whose scholarship, intellectual generosity, and institutional leadership shaped our field for decades. Her work has guided and inspired generations of scholars, including many within our academic community in Romania.
We join you in mourning the loss of an exceptional scholar, colleague, and friend. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and our solidarity with the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies and with all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
With sincere condolences,
Andrei Timotin
President, Romanian Society for Byzantine Studies
It is with great sadness that we have received this news. On behalf of the Argentine Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Comité Argentino de Estudios Bizantinos
Upon hearing of the passing of Professor Dame Averil Cameron, I wish to express my deepest condolences on behalf of all Byzantine researchers in Japan.
It goes without saying that Professor Cameron was one of the most excellent leading scholars in both Byzantine history and Late Antiquity. She also visited Japan in 1998, and we still remember that occasion well. Professor Cameron came to Kyoto on 13 September, and was shown around the temples and gardens of Higashiyama by members of the Society for the Study of Ancient History —invited by Professor Takashi Minamikawa of Kyoto University—as well as a group of the Kansai Byzantine History Society, including Mr. Isao Kobayashi and myself. I still vividly recall how she spoke of her experience of the Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional tea room, and how she was deeply impressed by the differences between Japanese and Western gardens.
I also met her several times at the University of Oxford, where I had visited for research stays and academic conferences. In spite of her reputation for her strictness and austerity, I noticed that she was rather frank and gentle, when talking with her personally. I believe she was a person with a great capacity for understanding others. When I apologized, saying, “I’m sorry for my poor English,” she replied immediately, “No, excellent,” which made me happy and gave me a little more confidence. Perhaps she felt compelled to encourage me simply because I had come all the way from the East.
Speaking of our conversations, I am particularly struck by how Averil expressed concern that the European Foundation’s projects on Late Antiquity were too North-Western European centric, and insisted that similar initiatives must be pursued in the East as well. Indeed, she subsequently pursued the research that incorporated the birth of Islam into the context of Late Antiquity, and I felt she put into practice what she had said. I believe her research opened up the current trend of reexaminating Roman and Byzantine history within the broader context of Eurasian history.
Her research style began with the thorough analysis of the discourses of historical materials, then cut sharply and broadly into every phenomenon from the late ancient period to the mid-Byzantine era, sparking major debates relevant to the research of many members. Personally, I am particularly interested in the debates on the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in the late antique period and the analyses related to gender, though both are highly sophisticated, and I often struggle to keep up with them. However, in her later years, she also wrote an overview book of Byzantine religious history from the early to late periods, including the post-Byzantine era, which is easy to read for every reader and I used it as reading material for my students. It must take an enormous amount of time to list all of her achievements, so here I have recorded only what came to mind in haste.
It is hard to believe that we will no longer be able to see her striding into conference halls to deliver lectures or firing off sharp questions, but time cannot be stopped. May she rest in peace.
11/April/2026
Hiroaki Adachi Ex-president of Japan Association for Byzantine Studies
The Serbian Committee for Byzantine Studies has received with sorrow the news of the passing of Professor Dame Averil Cameron, a great scholar of immense contribution to the field of Late Antique and Byzantine studies.
We extend to you our sincere condolences. May her memory be eternal.
On behalf of the Serbian Committee,
Srđan Pirivatrić, President
It is really very sad.
On behalf of the National Committee of Byzantine Studies of the China , I extend our condolences on the passing of Dame Averil Cameron to the family, friends.
Pro. Chen Zhiqiang
On behalf of the Chinese Committee of Byzantine Studies, I wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Dame Averil Cameron.
Professor Cameron visited China twice in the early 21st century and made tremendous contributions to the development of Byzantine studies in our country. In recent years, she also participated in our online lectures as a discussant and offered us enormous encouragement. She maintained close and friendly relations with many Chinese Byzantine scholars, including Professor Chen Zhiqiang and Professor Xu Jialing, who represent the first generation of Byzantine studies scholars in China.
May she rest in peace.
Li Qiang
Associate Professor of Byzantine Studies,
IHAC, Northeast Normal University, China
On behalf of the Polish National Committee of AIEB, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the representatives of the British National Committee and to the entire community of British Byzantinists on the passing of Professor Averil Cameron.
Professor Cameron was an eminent scholar of international renown, whose academic achievements possess enduring value. Her death constitutes an irreparable loss to the scholarly community as a whole.
I am all the more saddened by Her passing as I had the honour and privilege of meeting and speaking with Her in person during her visit to the University of Lodz nearly twenty years ago.
We shall greatly miss Her distinction, elegance, and remarkable erudition.
Kiril Marinow
Offering condolences feels entirely inadequate in response to the loss of Professor Cameron who has been such a rock within our field for so long. She excelled at all aspects of a scholar’s role. Her research changed the way we think about history. Her generous work on introductory texts helped students and newcomers join the field. Her respectful, astute mentorship encouraged new generations of scholars. She will be dearly missed.
Leonora Neville
President, US Committee of Byzantine Studies
On behalf of the Turkish National Committee for Byzantine Studies, I
would like to extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of
Professor Averil Cameron. Her death is a big loss to our scholarly
community. She will be dearly missed, but her memory and her works will
continue to inspire and influence future generations of Byzantinists.
Nevra Necipoglu
Secretary General,
Turkish National Committee for Byzantine Studies
Certainly very sad news. Averil was so inspiring scholar! We are many, also in Denmark, who will miss her, also as a friend. We had hoped to see her at the Congress in Vienna this year. On behalf of the Danish National Committee for Byzantine Studies,
Karsten Fledelius, President
Anne Hedeager Krag, Secretary and Treasurer