Alexandru Dimitrie Xenopol in Arad, Romania

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Alexandru Dimitrie Xenopol was born on March 23, 1847, in Iaşi, a city where he later graduated from high school before pursuing his education in law at Vienna and philosophy at Berlin. In 1868, he made a significant impact by publishing studies on Romanian traditions and institutions in Convorbiri Literare. Initially, Xenopol served as a prosecutor in Iaşi but soon decided to focus on the study of history. In 1883, he became a professor of universal history at the University of Iaşi, where he held various positions including rector from 1898 to 1901. He was appointed a member of the Romanian Academy in 1895 for his outstanding contributions to the field. In 1899, Xenopol published Les Principes fondamentaux de l'histoire ("The Fundamental Principles of History") in French, arguing that history is a true science governed by clear laws and logic. His six-volume Istoria românilor din Dacia-Traiană ("The History of the Romanians in Trajan's Dacia"), completed between 1888 and 1893, made a strong case for the predominantly Roman origin of the Romanians. This theory was later supported by archaeological findings but contested by some historians due to its implications on events from nearly two millennia ago. Xenopol's work had significant political implications, suggesting that Romanians are inherently different from and superior to their Slavic and Magyar neighbors. However, his disagreement with radical nationalists and objection to violence against Jews led to him being labeled an anti-Semite and collaborator of A.C. Cuza. Although he died before the formation of the Iron Guard, Romania's notorious Fascist party, he is considered one of its sources of inspiration according to the final report of the International Commission on the Holocaust in Romania. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort, and those interested in contributing can email stw@myminifactory.com to learn more about how they can help.