British historian and academic Mary Beard has been honoured with one of Spain’s most prestigious award.
The Princess of Asturias award for social science recognised her “outstanding contribution to the study of the culture, politics and society of classical antiquity”.
It is not the first time that a Brit has won. Sir David Attenborough also was recognised in the field of social sciences in 2009. In addition, Bob Dylan, Woody Allen and Margaret Atwood are past recipients.
Beard is a professor of Classics at Cambridge University and Classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement, as well as appearing regularly on British television and radio.
Beard professed herself “especially pleased to win a European prize at this moment in my country’s history”.
The Princess of Asturias jury called Beard "one of the most influential European intellectual figures of today" who has "a wide recognition both in academia and society at large".
The annual awards are designed to recognise individuals or organisations making notable achievements in the sciences, humanities and public affairs.
The official title Prince or Princess of Asturias is given to the heir to the Spanish throne. Today that is Princess Leonor, 10, who is the eldest daughter of King Felipe.
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