Professor Edith Hall, from our department of Classics and Ancient History, has been awarded the 2024 International Hellenic Prize for her acclaimed book Facing Down the Furies.
This prestigious award is presented annually to a scholar whose work has made a significant contribution to the understanding of Hellenic culture, history, or literature.
The award will be formally presented to Professor Hall at a ceremony in Athens in February 2026.
Professor Hall’s winning book explores how ancient Greek tragedy continues to resonate in modern society, offering powerful insights into justice, vengeance, and reconciliation.
The book has been praised for its scholarly depth, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary global issues.
Professor Hall’s work exemplifies her lifelong mission to connect ancient wisdom with modern-day challenges.
Her research spans topics such as gender, ethnicity, and social class, and she has published over 30 books that bridge classical studies with contemporary life.
Beyond her academic achievements, Professor Hall is a passionate advocate for making Classics education more inclusive.
In 2017, she co-founded the Advocating Classics Education (ACE) project, which promotes the teaching of classical subjects in UK state schools — without requiring Latin or Ancient Greek.
Since 2022, ACE has been based at Durham University, where Professor Hall and co-director Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson continue to influence national education policy and expand access to classical learning.
Her commitment to accessibility also extends to innovative outreach, including a pilot project teaching Classics in UK prisons, in collaboration with education charity Novus.
The course uses ancient Greek moral philosophy to help participants explore decision-making, happiness, and debate skills.
Professor Hall is a Fellow of the British Academy and a regular contributor to radio and television discussions on classical topics.
Her 2018 book Aristotle’s Way brought ancient ethics into everyday life, while her latest work Epic of the Earth offers an environmentally focused reading of Homer’s Iliad.
In 2023, she received the Classical Association Prize for her outstanding contribution to promoting Classics in the UK — a testament to her energy, determination, and inclusive vision.
I am deeply honoured to receive the International Hellenic Prize. Facing Down the Furies is a book that reflects my lifelong passion for Greek tragedy and its enduring relevance. I hope it encourages readers to see the ancient world not as distant and disconnected, but as a rich source of wisdom and reflection for today’s challenges.
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