Greek-born archaeology Professor Alexander Cambitoglou, founder of the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens (AAIA), passed away last week at the age of 97.

Born in Thessaloniki in 1922, the world-renowned classical archaeologist came to Australia in 1961 and became the first person of Greek descent to be named a university professor in Australia in 1963.

The professor spent more than five decades tirelessly championing Australian research in Greece and held the position of Curator of the Nicholson Museum until December 2000.

He was at the forefront of his field in classical archaeology, with a specialisation in Attic vase painting – in particular red-figure vase painting of Greek colonies of southern Italy.

He established the Australian excavations at the Geometric settlement of Zagora, Andros, in 1967 – a collaboration between the Athens Archaeological Society and the University of Sydney.

Excavations at Zagora had been fundamental for understanding life in the Aegean during the eighth century BC – the period to which many scholars date Homer, the beginning of the Greek city-state and democracy in Athens.

In the mid-seventies Professor Cambitoglou led the Australian expedition to Torone in Chalkidiki, before providing the greatest legacy to Australian scholars working in Greece.

In 1978, he became the Arthur and Renee George Professor of Classical Archaeology – a position which he held until 1989 when he became a Professor Emeritus.

The creation of the Australian Archaeological Institute of Athens, founded in 1980, stands as his legacy. He served as its director until 2016.

READ MORE: Australia Day tribute paid to Professor Cambitoglou

The AAIA announced that Professor Cambitoglou’s passed away on Friday 29 November.

“The long list of Professor Cambitoglou’s achievements is truly awe-inspiring. His dedicated efforts have established Classical Archaeology, and more widely Greek studies, in Australia on a very firm footing. His vision has inspired generations of students, and will continue to do so, while his dedication to his field has set a benchmark for many of his colleagues.”

A hard-working and dedicated scholar, Professor Cambitoglou’s personal contribution to the relationship between Australia and Greece in the field of archaeology has been immeasurable.

A public funeral will be held for the Emeritus Professor at St George Greek Orthodox church 90-92 Newcastle St, Rose Bay at 9.30 am on Saturday 7 December.