The OeAI mourns the loss of Isabella Benda-Weber
We were shocked to learn that our esteemed colleague Dr. Isabella Theoktisti Benda-Weber passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 27.
Isabella had been working at the Austrian Archaeological Institute since 1991, where she not only took on graphic design tasks, but was also responsible for the institute's extensive plan and documentation archive and the website. In addition to her commitment to the day-to-day tasks of the OeAI, she always remained a scientist at heart. After completing her doctorate in 1996 under Jürgen Borchhardt and Heiner Eichner on the subject of »Lykier und Karer. Fremde Völker Anatoliens« and her involvement in the »Archiv der antiken Fremdvölkerdarstellungen« at the Department of Classical Archaeology at the University of Vienna, she primarily pursued her research interest in ancient clothing. From 2008 to 2021, she worked on the EU project »DressID. Clothing and Identities in Roman Empire« and published several articles on this topic.
As a colleague, we greatly appreciated Isabella's friendly, humorous and straightforward manner. We will miss her love of Greece and her infectious enthusiasm for Greek dance.
Our sincere sympathy and condolences go out to Isabella's daughter and her family in these difficult hours. The Austrian Archaeological Institute will always remember Isabella Benda-Weber fondly.