Crystal Addey

Sophia Xenophontos is a distinguished Greek-Cypriot classicist and Senior Researcher at the Academy of Athens. Her academic career includes past roles as an associate professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a lecturer at the University of Glasgow. She is recognized for her significant research in ancient Greek literature, with a primary focus on authors like Plutarch and Galen of Pergamum. Xenophontos has developed innovative approaches to understanding Plutarch's works, including his Lives and Moralia, which have garnered positive critical attention. Her scholarship also extends to the physician Galen, exploring the intersection of his psychological writings and medical practices. This research led to her highly praised 2024 monograph, 'Medicine and Practical Ethics in Galen,' published by Cambridge University Press, which also received attention in the German publication Der Spiegel for its insights into ancient psychotherapy and emotions. Xenophontos is also an active contributor to the study of Byzantine philosophical literature, focusing on figures such as Theodore Metochites and George Pachymeres, where she is considered a leading expert. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Routledge book series ‘Theorising the Greek and Roman Classics’ and collaborates with several prestigious academic institutions and projects.

Sophia Xenophontos's academic work prominently features in-depth studies of classical Greek authors. She has made significant contributions to the interpretation of Plutarch, particularly his philosophical and biographical writings, such as the Lives and Moralia. Her novel methodologies for analyzing these texts have been well-received by reviewers. Expanding her research scope, Xenophontos has also delved into the works of the physician Galen of Pergamum. Her investigations focus on the intricate relationship between Galen's writings on psychology and ethics and his medical theories and clinical practice. A key outcome of this research is her 2024 monograph, 'Medicine and Practical Ethics in Galen,' published by Cambridge University Press, which has been lauded for its insights. This work, supported by a Wellcome Trust University Award, has also drawn broader attention, including features in Der Spiegel, highlighting its relevance to popular understanding of ancient emotional and psychological concepts.

Beyond her work on classical antiquity, Xenophontos is a recognized authority on Byzantine philosophical literature. She actively engages with the Aristotelian commentary tradition and the study of philosophical texts from the Byzantine era. Her research has concentrated on prominent figures like Theodore Metochites and George Pachymeres, for whom she has produced critical editions and translations. Her expertise in this area is considered leading. She has also edited and contributed to collections that explore the reception of Greek ethics in Late Antiquity and Byzantium, demonstrating the enduring influence of classical thought through the medieval period.

Xenophontos plays a vital role in shaping academic discourse through her editorial activities. She is the founder and serves as the editor-in-chief of the book series ‘Theorising the Greek and Roman Classics,’ published by Routledge. This initiative underscores her commitment to fostering new scholarship in the field. She is also an external collaborator for the Commentaria in Aristotelem Graeca et Byzantina project, associated with the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Her affiliations include being a Senior Researcher at the Academy of Athens and an affiliate scholar with the University of Glasgow, where she previously held academic positions.