1. the study of historical persons, especially through the analysis of their careers, family connections, and social relationships
Usage: academic; historical research
2. a biographical dictionary or collection of biographies of people from a particular period, place, or group
Usage: academic; reference work

Examples

• The historian used prosopography to trace the connections between Roman senators.
• Her prosopography of medieval merchants revealed important trade networks.
• The university published a prosopography of its early graduates.
• Prosopography helps researchers understand social structures in ancient societies.
• The scholar’s prosopographical approach uncovered new patterns in political careers.
• This prosopography contains detailed biographies of Renaissance artists.