Historian František Šmahel Passes Away at the Age of 90

On Sunday, 5 January 2025, Professor František Šmahel, a prominent Czech historian, medievalist, and member of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic, passed away at the age of 90. He significantly influenced historical research both in the Czech Republic and abroad, profoundly enriching Czech and global historiography. While his scholarly works were primarily focused on the late medieval history of the Czech lands, they also extended to broader European contexts and occasionally addressed contemporary historical themes.

František Šmahel was admired not only for his expertise and precision but also for his humanity, dignity, and willingness to inspire new generations of researchers. He was an exceptional expert on medieval history and the Hussite movement, as well as a kind and inspiring individual who combined deep academic knowledge with openness and a readiness to share his insights. His passing marks an irreplaceable loss to the academic community and Czech culture.

Prof. František Šmahel, 17 August 1934 – 5 January 2025
Image: Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

Prof. PhDr. František Šmahel, DrSc., Dr.h.c., studied history between 1955 and 1959, overcoming initial challenges that required him to “earn” his place at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University through extended labour in coal mines.

He served as director of the Litvínov Museum for four years (1961–1964) before joining the Historical Institute of the former Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, where he contributed to foundational conceptual work in late medieval history. However, he was dismissed in 1974 for political reasons and subsequently worked as a tram driver for Prague's public transport system for four years.

Later, he secured a modest position as a historian at the Museum of the Hussite Revolutionary Movement in Tábor, where, with the support of colleagues, he compiled a two-volume history of the town. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, he returned to the reconstituted Historical Institute, serving as its director for two terms (1990–1998). He played a key role in restoring the institute's prestige both domestically and internationally.

Professor Šmahel was the founder of the Centre for Medieval Studies, a joint initiative of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and Charles University, where he served as director for many years. From 1995, he was a professor at Charles University and also chaired the Academy of Sciences' Scientific Council. In 2002, he was awarded the Czech Republic's Medal of Merit (First Class), and in 2005, he received the Praemium Bohemiae Award.

Professor Šmahel's academic and organisational contributions earned him numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. He lectured at institutions such as the Collège de France and was a fellow of the prestigious Historisches Kolleg in Munich. He became an honorary member of the American Historical Society, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the British Academy, as well as a member of the Medieval Academy of America and Monumenta Germaniae Historica. He delivered lectures at conferences and symposia in over ten countries.

In 1995, he became a member of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic, serving as its president from 2002 to 2004. In 2008, the Learned Society awarded him a medal for his outstanding contributions to the study of Czech history within the European context.