Henri Valois facts for kids

Henri Valois (born September 10, 1603, in Paris – died May 7, 1676, in Paris) was a French scholar. He was known for studying ancient languages and history, especially the history of the early Christian church. His Latin name was Henricus Valesius. Henri was the older brother of Adrien Valois (1607–1692). Adrien wrote a book about Henri's life, which helps us learn about him today.

Henri Valois's Life Story

Early Years and Education

Henri Valois came from a noble family in Normandy, France. He grew up near Bayeux. He studied with the Jesuits, first in Verdun and then at the Collège de Clermont in Paris. There, he learned about rhetoric, which is the art of speaking and writing well.

Later, from 1622 to 1624, Henri studied law in Bourges. When he returned to Paris, he practiced law for seven years. He did this to please his father, even though he didn't really like it.

A Scholar's Journey

Once Henri was free to choose his own path, he dove into studying classical history. He had always loved these subjects.

Discovering Ancient Texts

A scholar named Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc bought an old manuscript in Cyprus. This manuscript contained writings by Constantine Porphyrogenitus. From this, Henri Valois found many parts of ancient historians' works that had never been published before. In 1634, he published these findings. They included writings from famous historians like Polybius, Diodorus Siculus, and Appian.

In 1636, he edited the works of Ammianus Marcellinus. This was a Roman historian. Henri added many notes that helped people understand the history of that time. He also published two short historical pieces. These are still known today as Anonymus Valesianus. Henri was very skilled at recognizing the rhythm of ancient texts. This helped him make the texts more accurate. His brother Adrien later updated and expanded this important edition in 1681.

Working on Church History

In 1650, a group of French church leaders asked Henri to publish the works of early Christian historians. This was a big and important job.

In 1659, he published the Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius of Caesarea. This book tells the story of the early Christian church. He also included a biography of Emperor Constantine and other writings by Eusebius. Henri added a new Latin translation and helpful notes. He also wrote four detailed essays on topics like Donatism and the Septuagint.

He continued this work, publishing more church historians. In 1668, he published the works of Socrates of Constantinople and Sozomen. In 1673, he finished his collection with the writings of Theodoret and Evagrius Scholasticus. These books helped people understand the history of the church much better.

Challenges and Support

Henri Valois did not have much money at first. But later, he received support from important people. These included Jean-Antoine de Mesmes, the French clergy, Cardinal Mazarin, and even King Louis XIV. This support gave him the time he needed for his studies. It also allowed him to hire a secretary, which was very helpful because his eyesight was never good. By 1637, he had lost the use of his right eye.

In 1664, when he was almost blind, Henri married Marguerite Chesneau. They had four sons and three daughters together.

Henri Valois's Legacy

Henri Valois did very important work. Even though the old manuscripts he used were not always perfect, his careful and smart way of studying them was amazing. His notes were balanced and full of knowledge. They show how much French scholars knew in the 1600s.

Henri worked with the greatest scholars of his time. But he always kept his own independent judgment. He wrote tributes for other famous scholars like Jacques Sirmond. He also wrote some Latin poems. But he is best remembered today as a very learned and precise editor of ancient Greek church historians.