Panos D. Valavanis, archaeologist and Emeritus Professor of Classical Archaeology at the Department of History and Archaeology of the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 71.

Panos Valavanis was born in Athens in 1954. He studied Classical Archaeology at NKUA and later at the University of Würzburg in Germany. He gained field experience in many excavations, working alongside prominent archaeologists, and was a Corresponding Member of the DAI (German Archaeological Institute).

He began working at the University of Athens in 1980 and served as Professor of Classical Archaeology from 2000 until his retirement. He took part in numerous excavations and archaeological research programs and, as Director of the Department of Archaeology and History of Art at NKUA, coordinated and presented the excavation and research activities of the department’s academic staff at university events.

In his scholarly work, Professor Valavanis focused on ancient Greek pottery and iconography, the architecture and topography of ancient Athens, ancient athletics, and ancient Greek technology. He participated in both Greek and international conferences and delivered lectures at universities and museums across Europe, the USA, and East Asia.

Resolution by the Department of History and Archaeology of NKUA

“The Department of History and Archaeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens bids farewell with deep sorrow to Emeritus Professor Panos Valavanis.
Professor Valavanis, a distinguished archaeologist and teacher, served our Department and University for nearly four decades, from 1981 until his retirement in 2018. During his tenure, he developed a rich teaching, research, and administrative career, significantly advancing archaeological studies and shaping generations of scholars in the humanities.
His teaching spanned a wide range of topics—from the topography and monuments of ancient Athens to Attic pottery and the Panhellenic games—characterized by a direct, experiential approach and deep scholarly dedication. He supervised dozens of doctoral and postgraduate theses, holding key positions such as the Department Chair and Head of Sector.
His academic output was exceptionally prolific: author or editor of 13 books, over 80 scholarly articles, 15 guides and publications for the general public, and hundreds of encyclopedic and educational texts. In 2023, he received the Ouranis Foundation Prize from the Academy of Athens.
Panos Valavanis made a significant contribution to academic research and to bridging the gap between the field of archaeology and society.
His simplicity, humility, and integrity, both in academic and in his personal life, made him an exemplary academic mentor.”

Statement from the Dean of the School of Philosophy at NKUA

“The Dean’s Office of the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has learned with profound sorrow of the passing of Panos Valavanis, Emeritus Professor of the Department of History and Archaeology.
Panos Valavanis, a prominent scholar, exceptional teacher, and person of integrity, left a lasting mark on our academic community.
He was one of the most significant figures in the field of archaeology in recent decades. His research spanned a wide range of topics, and his studies and books deepened the understanding of crucial aspects of ancient Greek culture while making archaeology accessible and appealing to young people and children.
As a Professor in the Department of History and Archaeology, he inspired and educated generations of students through his hands-on teaching style, emphasizing the importance of methodology and research.
His modesty and moral integrity made him a model scholar and human being who will continue to inspire and guide colleagues and students across the entire School of Philosophy.
Panos Valavanis leaves behind a rich legacy and an irreplaceable void. He will always be remembered with respect, affection, and gratitude for his contributions.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues in the Department of History and Archaeology.”

Statement by the Minister of Culture

Upon learning of the passing of Panos Valavanis, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni made the following statement:
“With deep sorrow I learned of the passing of Panos Valavanis, an exceptional scholar with an outstanding career in research and teaching. A distinguished academic, Panos Valavanis shaped generations of scholars in the field of Classical Archaeology through his robust and long-standing service at the School of Philosophy of the University of Athens.
As a field archaeologist, he was deeply engaged in excavation work at many sites, particularly at the olive grove of Itea, where he identified the remains of the oldest preserved hippodrome in Greece.
He left behind a vast and diverse body of written work, focusing particularly on pottery, iconography, architecture and topography of ancient Athens, and ancient Greek technology—leaving us with a precious and irreplaceable legacy.
The loss of Panos Valavanis marks for me the end of a close, long-standing relationship and creative collaboration. Panos was always not only a dedicated and inspiring archaeologist but also a valued friend who generously shared his experience, broad knowledge, and unique perspective.
To Efi and the children, his friends and many students, I extend my most heartfelt condolences.”