Mercer Times

Edward "Ted" James Champlin, a distinguished scholar in Roman history and classics, passed away at the age of 76 due to cardiac arrest on December 23, 2024, at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. Champlin was a prominent figure at Princeton University, where he served as the Cotsen Professor in the Humanities and professor of classics until his retirement in 2016.

Barbara Graziosi, chair of the classics department at Princeton, remarked on Champlin's significant contributions to the field: “Professor Champlin’s scholarship combined broad vision with deep erudition.” She noted his exploration of historical figures like emperors Nero and Tiberius and how they continue to influence collective memory.

Robert Connor, who hired Champlin during his tenure as department chair, highlighted Champlin's community-building efforts within East Pyne. Robert Kaster collaborated with Champlin on his final book project about Emperor Tiberius. Kaster expressed admiration for Champlin's work: “The very substantial articles Ted had already published on Tiberius were so darn good.”

Brent Shaw praised Champlin as "a prince amongst the modern historians of the Roman empire," emphasizing his precision and creativity. Shaw also shared that colleagues received copies of Helen Sword’s "Stylish Academic Writing" from Champlin as a subtle message to improve their writing style.

Champlin was born in New York City in 1948 but grew up in Toronto. He earned degrees from the University of Toronto and Oxford before joining Princeton's faculty in 1976. His works include notable books such as "Nero" (2005) and "Fronto and Antonine Rome" (1980).

In addition to his research, Champlin was dedicated to teaching. He taught over 40 courses during his career at Princeton, earning recognition for making subjects like Roman law engaging for students. Former student Randall Ganiban recalled: “His ability to craft lectures with insight and wit set a standard for me that I still aim to reach.”

Champlin's mentorship extended beyond academia. Noel Lenski described him as “a powerful mentor” who encouraged critical thinking among students.

Champlin is survived by his wife Linda Mahler; sisters Elizabeth Champlin, Marion Jensen, Minota Austin; sons Alexander and James; stepchildren Michael Loughran and Katie Loughran; and step-grandchildren Mimi Ujj and Eero Ujj.

Donations can be made in honor of Edward J. Champlin to Doctors Without Borders.