Dr. Bettany Hughes

Introduction

Dr. Bettany Hughes OBE FSA is one of Britain’s most dynamic historians, renowned for bringing ancient and medieval history to life with clarity, passion, and a storyteller’s touch. Over the past 25 years, she has built a reputation as both a serious academic and an accessible public voice, inspiring millions through television, radio, books, and live events. Her work demonstrates a rare ability to connect the distant past with the challenges and aspirations of the present, making history not just a subject to study, but a lens for understanding our world. Hughes’ dedication to opening the doors of classical education to all has made her an influential figure well beyond the walls of academia.

Area of Expertise

Dr. Bettany Hughes’ expertise is rooted in the history and philosophy of the ancient world, with a particular focus on Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. Her scholarship often examines how societies were shaped by ideas, art, and power, and how those legacies continue to influence us. She is widely respected for her groundbreaking work on the role of women in antiquity, exploring figures such as Helen of Troy and the women of Sparta. Her research into the philosophical teachings of thinkers like Socrates highlights the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom. In addition, Hughes is fascinated by the cultural evolution of great cities, most notably Istanbul, which she has studied as a crossroads of civilizations for over a decade. She has taught at top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and King’s College London, and regularly lectures internationally, sharing her expertise with audiences from academic conferences to public festivals.

Books & Publications

Dr. Hughes has authored a series of acclaimed books that merge deep scholarship with the drama of lived history. Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore (2005) became a modern classic, translated into numerous languages and praised for its balance of myth and historical evidence. Her The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens and the Search for the Good Life (2010) earned a place on the New York Times Bestseller list, offering a vivid portrait of Athens during its most turbulent years. In Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities (2017), Hughes presented the city as a living, breathing witness to human ambition and creativity, securing another Sunday Times Bestseller and award nominations. Venus and Aphrodite (2019) explored the many incarnations of one of history’s most enduring goddesses, while her recent The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (2024) reintroduced global audiences to the marvels of antiquity. Her upcoming book, There Was a Roman in Your Garden (2025), promises to explore Rome’s lasting imprint on everyday life. Each work combines meticulous research with narrative elegance, making them as enjoyable to read as they are informative.

Research & Contributions

Beyond authorship, Dr. Hughes is deeply engaged in academic research and media production. As a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London and a tutor at Cambridge University’s Institute of Continuing Education, she has mentored countless students in the art of historical inquiry. Her research spans the study of ancient belief systems, the interplay between archaeology and myth, and the ways philosophical traditions can inform modern life. Recognizing the importance of storytelling in historical engagement, she co-founded SandStone Global, a production company committed to creating historically rich, ethically grounded documentaries. Her on-screen work includes more than 50 films for leading platforms such as the BBC, Netflix, PBS, and National Geographic. Series like Ideas That Make Us and Divine Women have introduced vast audiences to complex historical themes in ways that are both intellectually stimulating and visually captivating.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Hughes’ contributions to historical scholarship and public education have earned her some of the most prestigious honors in the field. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 for her services to history. The same year, she became the first woman to receive the Helena Vaz de Silva European Cultural Heritage Award, celebrating her impact on cultural storytelling. In 2022, Greece awarded her the Golden Cross of Beneficence for promoting democratic ideals and Hellenic heritage. Earlier accolades include the Norton Medlicott Medal from the Historical Association (2012) and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of York (2013) for her exceptional communication of history. Her influence has also been recognized internationally, with her inclusion in the BBC’s list of 100 Women in 2013. Alongside her writing and presenting, she has served as chair of the Man Booker International Prize and as a judge for major awards such as the English Heritage Angel Awards and the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year.

Social Media Profiles

Dr. Hughes maintains a lively and informative online presence, ensuring that her work reaches audiences wherever they are. On Instagram (@bettany_hughes), she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects, from filming on archaeological sites to discussing newly uncovered historical research. Her YouTube channel, Bettany Hughes Online, hosts lectures, interviews, and documentary excerpts, offering free access to her insights. Through her official website, bettanyhughes.co.uk, she provides updates on her books, television work, speaking engagements, and educational initiatives. This multi-platform approach reflects her belief that history should be a shared cultural resource, available and engaging for everyone in the digital age.

Bibliographic Sources

Hughes, B. (n.d.). About Bettany. Retrieved from https://www.bettanyhughes.co.uk/about

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Bettany Hughes. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bettany_Hughes

Amazon. (n.d.). Bettany Hughes Author Page. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.in/stores/author/B001K8VFL4

Aussie Celebs. (n.d.). Bettany Hughes Wiki, Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Instagram, Net Worth. Retrieved from https://aussiecelebs.com.au/bettany-hughes-wiki-bio-age-height-husband-instagram-net-worth

Bettany Hughes. (n.d.). Awards and Public Service. Retrieved from https://www.bettanyhughes.co.uk/awards-and-public-service

Academia.edu. (n.d.). Bettany Hughes CV. Retrieved from https://independent.academia.edu/BettanyHughes/CurriculumVitae