Reginald Walter Macan facts for kids

Reginald Walter Macan (born 1848, died March 23, 1941) was an important Irish expert in Classics. Classics is the study of ancient Greece and Rome, including their languages, history, and culture. He spent most of his life studying and teaching at Oxford University in England.

Who Was Reginald Macan?

Reginald Macan was born in Dublin, Ireland. He kept his Irish accent for many years. He became a well-known expert in ancient history and languages.

His Education Journey

Reginald Macan went to University College, Oxford, which is a part of Oxford University. He was a very good student. In 1869, he earned a top grade in his first set of exams, called "Classical Moderations." Then, in 1871, he got another top grade in "Literae Humaniores," often called 'Greats.' This course covered ancient history, philosophy, and classical languages.

A Long Career at Oxford

After finishing his studies, Macan became a "Student" at Christ Church, Oxford. At Christ Church, a "Student" is like a Fellow at other colleges, meaning he was a senior member of the college who taught and did research.

In 1884, he returned to University College as a Fellow and a tutor. A tutor helps students with their studies. He worked there until 1906, when he became the Master of the college. The Master is the head of the college, like a principal. He was only the second Master of University College who was not a priest. He retired in 1923.

His Important Work

Reginald Macan was known for using new discoveries from archaeology (the study of ancient things) to understand old history better. He wrote a major set of books about Herodotus. Herodotus was an ancient Greek historian, often called the "Father of History." Macan's books helped people understand Herodotus's writings more clearly.

Students at University College sometimes called him "the Mugger," a nickname also given to the Master before him.

Later Life and Family

In 1881, Reginald Macan married Mildred Healey. They had three daughters. One of his daughters, Agatha Perrin, married a man named Eric Forbes Adam.

In 1913, Macan visited New York City in the United States. While there, he gave a speech at the Sphinx Club about Rhodes Scholars at Oxford University. Rhodes Scholars are students from around the world who get scholarships to study at Oxford.

Reginald Macan retired to a place called Boars Hill, which is south of Oxford. He lived there until he was 93 years old.

His Portrait

A famous artist named Maurice Greiffenhagen painted a formal picture of Reginald Macan. In the painting, Macan is wearing his academic robes. This portrait can be seen at University College in Oxford.