Abraham Nicolas Amelot de la Houssaye (1634-1706) was a French historian, diplomat, and member of the Académie française. He was born in Orleans and received a classical education before serving as a secretary to his father, who was an eminent lawyer. Amelot de la Houssaye's scholarly pursuits led him to become recognized as an expert in ancient history and diplomacy.
As a historian, Amelot de la Houssaye is best known for his significant contribution to the field of historical studies through his works, including "Histoire du gouvernement de Venise" (History of the Venetian Government). This work provided a detailed examination of the political structure and functioning of the Venetian Republic.
Amelot de la Houssaye also had an illustrious career as a diplomat, serving as a secretary to several ambassadors. He was appointed as the secretary of the embassy to Constantinople, where he gained extensive knowledge about the Ottoman Empire and its history.
Beyond his historical and diplomatic achievements, Amelot de la Houssaye was also an influential member of the Académie française, a respected institution dedicated to preserving and regulating the French language. His contributions to the académie included participating in the development of dictionaries, grammars, and linguistic standards.
In summary, Abraham Nicolas Amelot de la Houssaye was a renowned French historian, diplomat, and scholar, admired for his expertise in ancient history, particularly the government of Venice, as well as his contributions to the Académie française.
