Josette Elayi

Josette Elayi-Escaich (French pronunciation: [ʒoʊzət əlɑːjiː əskɑːʃ]; born 29 March 1943) is a French ancient historian, specialising in Phoenician and Near-Eastern history. She is an honorary scholar at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). Elayi has authored numerous archaeology and history works, and literary novels. She is also a novelist and has campaigned for reform and activism against bias in CNRS research policy. In 2007 Elayi was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour by the French state.