Shulamith Shahar

Shulamith Shahar was a prominent Israeli historian, born in 1928 and passing away in 2025. Her work primarily focused on the medieval period, with a particular emphasis on the role of women during that time. Shahar's research and writings have significantly contributed to the field of linguistics, demonstrating her expertise in multiple languages, including Hebrew, English, and French.

Shahar's notable study, published in 1981, titled Fourth Estate: A History of Women in the Middle Ages, marked a significant milestone as the first comprehensive examination of women's roles in the medieval era. This seminal work has been widely adopted as a textbook in gender studies and medieval history courses. In addition to her books, which have been published in both Hebrew and English, Shahar has written historical articles in multiple languages and has also translated several Latin texts into Hebrew, showcasing her linguistic proficiency and dedication to historical scholarship.