Hubert Houben (historian)

Hubert Houben (born 1953) is a German historian specializing in the history of the Middle Ages, particularly Southern Italy under Norman and Hohenstaufen rule. He is also a prominent expert on the papacy and the history of monasticism, especially the Cluniac order.

Houben studied history and Latin philology at the University of Cologne, where he earned his doctorate in 1981 with a dissertation on the monastery of Montecassino during the Norman period. From 1986 to 1993, he worked at the German Historical Institute in Rome.

In 1993, he became a professor of medieval history at the University of Kiel. He held this position until his retirement.

Houben's scholarly work is characterized by meticulous source criticism and a focus on social and cultural history. His publications include monographs, edited volumes, and numerous articles in scholarly journals. His works have been translated into several languages, making his research accessible to a wider international audience.

Key publications include:

• Roger II. König von Sizilien: Herrscher, Reich und Kultur (Primus Verlag, 2000) (translated as Roger II of Sicily: A Ruler Between East and West).
• Numerous publications on the history of Montecassino.
• Contributions to handbooks and encyclopedias on medieval history.

Houben is a member of several learned societies and has received numerous awards for his contributions to historical scholarship. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of medieval Southern Italy and the papacy during a crucial period of European history.