Leopold Von Ranke

Date of Birth: December 21, 1795

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 23, 1886

Biography

Leopold von Ranke was a pioneering German historian and a founder of modern source-based history. Born on December 21, 1795, in Wiehe, Thuringia, Ranke revolutionized the study of history by emphasizing primary sources and a critical approach to historical writing. He studied at the University of Leipzig, where he initially focused on theology and classical philology, before turning his attention to history. Ranke’s career began with a teaching position at a Gymnasium in Frankfurt an der Oder, but his groundbreaking work on the history of the Latin and Teutonic nations in 1494-1514 established his reputation. He was later appointed as a professor of history at the University of Berlin, where his seminars set new standards in historical research and education. Throughout his life, Ranke produced a vast body of work, covering diverse periods and regions, including the history of the Popes, the Ottoman and Spanish Empires, and the French Revolution. His insistence on rigorous methodology and the use of primary sources had a lasting impact on the field of historiography, influencing generations of historians. Ranke passed away on May 23, 1886, in Berlin, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the study of history.

5 Interesting Facts about Leopold Von Ranke

1. Ranke is often credited with coining the phrase “wie es eigentlich gewesen” (“how it actually happened”), emphasizing the importance of objective historical writing.

2. He was one of the first historians to use a systematic approach to archival research, setting a new standard for historical methodology.

3. Ranke wrote extensively on European history, but he also tackled the histories of the Ottoman Empire and the Americas, showcasing his broad scope of interest.

4. His work influenced the development of “scientific history,” which sought to establish history as a discipline based on empirical evidence.

5. Ranke served as the Royal Historiographer to the Prussian court, a prestigious position that underscored his influence and reputation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leopold Von Ranke

1. “You have to know the facts before you can distort them.”

2. “To history has been assigned the office of judging the past, of instructing the present for the benefit of future ages.”

3. “Every generation is equidistant from God.”

4. “History is something that happens to us, not something we make.”

5. “I see the historian as one engaged in a continuous dialogue with the past.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures for Leopold von Ranke’s net worth are not documented, his position as a highly respected academic and Royal Historiographer to the Prussian court would have afforded him a comfortable and prestigious lifestyle.