Øystein Rian

Øystein Rian (born 23 February 1945, in Lillehammer) is a Norwegian historian who specializes in the history of Denmark-Norway from 1536 to 1814, particularly its political, social and religious history.

He was appointed associate professor at Telemark University College in 1977, and was a professor at the University of Oslo from 1993 until reaching the emeritus age in 2015. He is a member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

He is the younger brother of Erlend Rian. Rian is openly gay.