How a historian helped spark a new golden age for television history

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bettany Hughes is more than just a broadcaster; she is a specialist in classical antiquity who has dedicated her career to making ancient worlds accessible. From bestselling books to award-winning documentaries, she bridges the gap between academic research and mass media to bring the past to life.

An English historian and broadcaster, Bettany Hughes has become a prominent voice in classical studies. Born in 1967, she studied ancient and modern history at St Hilda's College, Oxford. Her expertise spans the complexities of classical antiquity and the rich history of Istanbul, subjects she explores through both scholarly writing and television documentaries.

Her literary work has achieved significant recognition. Her 2010 book, which examines Socrates and the pursuit of a meaningful life, reached The New York Times Bestseller List and was named Book of the Year by The Daily Telegraph. Other notable works include her 2005 exploration of Helen of Troy and her 2024 study on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Beyond her writing, Hughes is a vocal advocate for education. She supports efforts to reintegrate classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, into UK state schools through her work with organizations like Classics For All and The Iris Project. Her influence in media was highlighted in a 2011 lecture for the Royal Television Society, where she argued that television history was entering a new golden age.

Hughes's contributions to history and broadcasting have earned her numerous honors. In 2013, the BBC named her among its 100 Women, and she received an OBE in 2019 for her historical contributions. She also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of York and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

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