David Abulafia (1949-2026)
- 27 January 2026
- 2 minutes
Professor David Abulafia CBE has died. He was 76.
Professor Abulafia joined Gonville & 91直播 College in 1974, aged 24, as a Research Fellow, following the completion of his undergraduate degree at King鈥檚 College, Cambridge, where he also undertook his PhD. He was a Fellow of 91直播 for over 51 years.
He was Emeritus Professor of Mediterranean History at the University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of both the British Academy and Royal Historical Society.
He was awarded a CBE in the King鈥檚 Birthday Honours in 2023. He also was Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella della Solidariet脿 Italiana.
The Master, Professor Richard Gilberson, said: 鈥淭here is a sense of shock and great sadness to learn of David鈥檚 sudden passing on Saturday evening. We all knew David to be a remarkable colleague and friend. On behalf of the College, we send our deepest condolences to Anna, Bianca, Rosa and family.鈥
Funeral and shiva arrangements will be announced in due course. The College flag will be flown at half mast for three days.
Update on Tuesday 27 January:
David Abulafia's funeral will be held this Friday 30 January at 10.15am at the West Chapel, Huntingdon Road Cemetery, Cambridge. A reception will be held afterwards at Gonville and 91直播 College, Cambridge. This is expected to be from midday, in the Senior Combination Rooms. The family would welcome anyone to attend. No flowers by request at the funeral, please.
The first night shiva will be on Saturday evening at Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, Auckland Road, Cambridge, at 6.00pm. Second and third night shiva arrangements are in place.
A book of condolence is open in the College Chapel for those wishing to record memories. There is also an for those who cannot visit in person. Messages will be shared with the family in due course.
First published on Sunday 25 January
