Malcolm H. Wiener, an American archaeologist, businessman and philanthropist who funded archaeological research in Greece for more than five decades, has died at the age of 91.
Wiener founded the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP) in the United States in 1981, establishing a major source of funding for archaeological excavations, research grants and fellowships focused on the prehistoric cultures of Greece and the Aegean.
In 1995, he established the INSTAP Study Center for East Crete, supporting archaeological research and the preservation of Minoan cultural heritage.
He also founded the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in 1992. The laboratory specializes in bioarchaeology, geoarchaeology, archaeobotany and zooarchaeology.
Contributions to Greek Archaeology
Beyond financing research, Wiener was an active scholar who published extensively on Bronze Age Aegean civilizations and their connections with cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean.
His philanthropic activities included funding academic positions, scholarships and research programs at universities and institutions in the United States and Europe, benefiting hundreds of researchers.
Wiener served as chairman of the board of trustees of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens from 2012 to 2016.
In recognition of his contributions, the Hellenic Republic awarded him the Gold Cross of the Order of Honor. He was also elected a corresponding member of the Academy of Athens.
Greek Culture Minister Pays Tribute
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed condolences following his death, citing his longstanding financial and scholarly contributions to Greek archaeology.
“Malcolm Wiener embodied an exceptionally rare combination: that of a successful businessman and selfless patron with a profound scholar,” Mendoni said in a statement.
She noted that Wiener personally supervised and financed numerous archaeological initiatives over more than 50 years, including fieldwork grants, research fellowships and specialized research institutions.
“He was not only a generous supporter of research but also a distinguished archaeologist himself, with numerous important scholarly publications on the Bronze Age Aegean civilizations and their relations with the cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean,” she said.
Mendoni also highlighted his financial support for academic chairs and scholarships in the United States and Europe.
“His passing does not bring an end to the work he accomplished during his lifetime, which will continue to bear fruit for many years because of the strong foundations he established,” she added.
The minister extended her condolences to Wiener’s family, friends, students and colleagues.
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