Ezekiel, Freiherr von Spanheim facts for kids

Ezekiel von Spanheim (born December 1629, died November 1710) was a smart diplomat and scholar from Geneva. He was known for his important work in history and coins, and he served as an ambassador for different rulers.

A Young Scholar

Ezekiel was born in Geneva. He was the oldest son of Friedrich Spanheim the Elder, who was also a famous scholar. After 1642, Ezekiel went to the University of Leyden to study languages and religious topics. In 1650, he returned to Geneva and became a professor, teaching people how to speak and write well.

Ezekiel Spanheim, 1702 engraving by Robert White.

A Diplomat's Journey

In 1656, Ezekiel became a teacher for the son of Charles I Louis, Elector Palatine. His interest in how governments work led him to a career in diplomacy. The Elector sent him to Rome in 1661 to look into political matters. After coming back in 1665, the Elector used him as an ambassador in many different countries.

Later, in 1679, he worked in England, also handling matters for the Elector of Brandenburg. He was even chosen to be a member of the Fellow of the Royal Society that same year.

Serving New Rulers

In 1680, Ezekiel started working for the Elector of Brandenburg as a minister of state. As an ambassador for the Great Elector, he spent nine years at the court in Paris. After this, he spent some years studying in Berlin.

However, after the Peace of Ryswick in 1697, he returned to France as an ambassador. He stayed there until 1702.

Final Mission and Legacy

In 1702, Ezekiel went on his last diplomatic trip. He became the very first ambassador from Prussia to England. He passed away in London in 1710 and was buried in the famous Westminster Abbey.

His Important Books

Fig. 1. An illustration from a review of Ezekiel Spanheim's book about ancient coins, published in 1707.

Ezekiel wrote several important books. One of his main works was Disputationes de usu et præstantia numismatum antiquorum. This book was about the use and importance of ancient coins. Another key work was Orbis Romanus, which discussed the Roman world. The famous historian Edward Gibbon used this book when writing his huge work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Ezekiel also helped edit the works of Cyril of Alexandria and the Emperor Julian.