Valery Durov Biography: Wife, Age, Sons, Net Worth, Books, Career, University, Publications

Valery Semenovich Durov, a distinguished Russian philologist, antiquarian, and academic, is renowned for his extensive contributions to the study of ancient Roman literature and the Latin language. He served as head of the Department of Classical Philology at Saint Petersburg State University from 1992 to 2013.

His scholarly work, including books like Julius Caesar: Man and Writer (1991) and History of Roman Literature (2000), has shaped the field of classical studies in Russia. Durov is also recognized as the father of Nikolai and Pavel Durov, co-founders of VK and Telegram.

Profile

• Full Name: Valery Semenovich Durov
• Stage Name: Valery Durov
• Born: July 13, 1945
• Age: 79 years old
• Birthplace: Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia)
• Nationality: Russian
• Occupation: Philologist, Antiquarian, Academic
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Durov
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Albina Durova
• Children: Nikolai Durov, Pavel Durov
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Valery Semenovich Durov was born on July 13, 1945, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia). Details about his parents and siblings are not publicly available.

He graduated from the Philological Faculty of Leningrad University in 1968 and pursued graduate studies at the Department of Classical Philology. In 1974, he defended his thesis, The Tenth Satire of Juvenal, earning his Candidate of Sciences degree.

His ethnicity is Russian, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Valery Durov began his career as a scholar of classical philology, focusing on the history and literature of ancient Rome. After completing his graduate studies, he joined the faculty of Saint Petersburg State University, where he lectured on Roman literature and Latin syntax.

His early publications, such as The Genre of Satire in Roman Literature (1987), established him as an authority in his field. His seminars on Latin style and case syntax were highly regarded for their rigor and depth.

In 1992, Durov was appointed head of the Department of Classical Philology at Saint Petersburg State University, a role he held until 2013. During this period, he authored influential works, including Julius Caesar: Man and Writer (1991), Nero, or Actor on the Throne (1994), and History of Roman Literature (2000).

His research also explored Latin Christian literature of the third to fifth centuries, as seen in Biblia Sancta (2003). His contributions earned him the title of Honored Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation.

Durov’s legacy continues through his publications and the impact of his teaching. His books, such as Antique Literature: A Tutorial (2004, co-authored with G.G. Anpetkova-Sharova), remain valuable resources for students of classical philology.

Though retired from his leadership role, he is remembered for mentoring generations of scholars and fostering a deeper understanding of Roman literary traditions. His sons’ technological achievements have also brought broader recognition to his name.

Social Media

Valery Durov does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Durov is married to Albina Durova, a former mathematics professor at Saint Petersburg State University. The couple has two sons, Nikolai Durov, a mathematician and programmer, and Pavel Durov, the founder of VK and Telegram.

The family spent several years in Turin, Italy, during the 1980s, where Valery taught Russian, exposing his sons to international perspectives. Durov maintains a private life, with little public information about his personal interests beyond his academic pursuits.

Net Worth

Durov’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 USD. His wealth primarily derives from his academic career, including his tenure as a professor and department head at Saint Petersburg State University, as well as royalties from his numerous publications on classical philology.