Silvio Arturo Zavala Vallado (February 7, 1909 – December 4, 2014) was a Mexican historian who was considered to be a pioneer in law history studies and Mexico’s institutions.

Silvio Zavala was born on February 7, 1909, in Mérida, Yucatán.

He began his professional career in Spain in the Center for Historic Studies in Madrid.

He has been a member of El Colegio Nacional since January 6, 1947, and of the Board of the Chronicle of Mexico City.

In May 2008, at the age of 99, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) bestowed upon him the Acknowledgment to a Lifetime Career to honor his work as a historian, scholar, researcher, thinker and cultural advocate.