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Petr BitsilliRussian scientist, historian.
Date of Birth: 13.09.1879
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career in Russia
- Research Interests
- Emigration and Later Career
- Political Affiliations and Return to Russia
- Legacy and Death
Early Life and Education
Pyotr Mikhailovich Bitsilli was born on September 13, 1879, in Odessa, Russia, to a noble family. In 1905, he graduated from Novorossiysk University. Subsequently, he was retained at the university's department of general history to prepare for a master's degree, which he received in 1910.
Academic Career in Russia
In 1912, Bitsilli defended his doctoral dissertation, titled "Salimbene. Essays on Italian Culture of the 13th Century," at the University of St. Petersburg. He was appointed a privat-docent and later an associate professor at Novorossiysk University in Odessa. He also taught Western European history at the Odessa Higher Women's Courses.
Research Interests
Bitsilli's research focused on medieval religious culture, symbolism, and hierarchy. He paid particular attention to the spiritual and intellectual life of people during that era.
Emigration and Later Career
After the Russian Revolution, Bitsilli left Russia and settled in Serbia in 1920, where he taught at the University of Skopje. He later moved to Bulgaria, where he was elected head of the Department of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Sofia in January 1924. He held this position for 33 years, specializing in Western European history.
Political Affiliations and Return to Russia
Bitsilli was a member of the Russian Academic Union until its Bulgarian branch was dissolved on September 9, 1944. He regained Soviet citizenship in September 1944. However, his academic career was hindered by political circumstances.
Legacy and Death
Professor Bitsilli was forced to leave Bulgaria in 1948 without the right to a pension. He died on August 25, 1953, and was buried in the Russian cemetery in Sofia. Bitsilli's contributions to the study of medieval thought and culture remain significant to this day.
