Paris – June 23, 2026: Marc Bloch, an important historian of the 20th century and a hero of the resistance movement, was today solemnly buried in the Pantheon alongside his wife Simone Vidal. This honor recognizes both his intellectual legacy and his courageous resistance against Nazism.
Marc Bloch was born in 1886 and was a pioneer of modern historiography as well as a co-founder of the influential journal Annales d’histoire économique et sociale (Annals of Economic and Social History). His works, including La société féodale (Feudal Society) and L’étrange défaite (Strange Defeat), had a profound impact on the study of history.
During World War II, Bloch actively participated in the resistance against the German occupation. In March 1944, he was arrested by Vichy police and suffered brutal torture while in custody. Despite harsh treatment, he never revealed any information. On June 16, 1944, he was executed by the Gestapo.
To commemorate his burial in the Pantheon, a documentary titled “Marc Bloch, in the Name of France” was released. Written and directed by Hugues Nancy, the film focuses on the extraordinary life and dedication of Marc Bloch and his wife Simone Vidal. It uses extensive archival material, including photos, diaries, and manuscripts, to tell the story of this remarkable couple.
Marc Bloch’s family initially expressed concerns that his legacy might be politically exploited. They emphasized that recognition should come purely from popular acknowledgment and hoped for widespread academic participation in the ceremony. All these wishes were respected, with the far-right National Front excluded from the event.
The interment of Marc Bloch and Simone Vidal in the Pantheon is a deeply meaningful event that highlights the values of the Republic and serves as a reminder to honor the struggle for freedom and justice. It underscores the importance of remembering history and recognizing those who fought for democracy.
Interested visitors can attend the exhibition “Marc Bloch, Spirit of History” within the Pantheon from June 25, 2026, to January 10, 2027, to gain deeper insight into the life and works of this distinguished historian.
The day’s ceremony was presided over by President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized Marc Bloch’s significance to French history and culture and praised the honors he received for his writings, teaching, and courage.
Marc Bloch and his wife Simone Vidal’s burial in the Pantheon is a noble recognition of their extraordinary lives and contributions to French history, and it reminds us of the importance of resisting oppression and defending democratic values.