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— CH. 1 · BEDFORD BIRTH AND CAMBRIDGE TRAINING —

Howard Hayes Scullard

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • Howard Hayes Scullard entered the world on the 9th of February 1903 in Bedford, England. His father Herbert Hayes Scullard served as a minister while his mother Barbara Louisa Dodds raised him. Early schooling took place at Highgate School before he moved to St John's College, Cambridge for higher education. This academic foundation prepared him for decades of historical research and teaching across London institutions.

  • Scullard began his professional life as a tutor at New College London starting in 1935. He later held the position of reader there until 1959 when he became Professor of Ancient History at King's College London. The transition marked a significant elevation in his academic standing within British universities. He continued working at King's College until his retirement in 1970 after thirty-five years of service.

  • His editorial work included the first edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary published in 1939 alongside H.E. Butler. This reference work became a standard tool for students and scholars studying classical antiquity. A second edition appeared in 1975 with N.G.L. Hammond contributing to its revision. These volumes established Scullard as a key figure in organizing ancient historical knowledge for modern readers.

  • A widely used textbook titled From the Gracchi to Nero covered Roman history from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68. Students studying Rome during the late republic relied heavily on this text throughout their studies. It also served those examining the period under the Julio-Claudians dynasty. The book won the Thirlwall Prize and went through multiple reprints over many decades.

  • Scullard remained active in retirement by writing chapters for the re-edition of The Cambridge Ancient History. His contributions to volumes VII and VIII were not released until after his death on the 31st of March 1983. A necrology by F.W. Walbank appeared in Proceedings of the British Academy volume 69 pages 595, 610. These final works ensured his scholarly voice continued influencing historical understanding long after he passed away.

Common questions

When and where was Howard Hayes Scullard born?

Howard Hayes Scullard entered the world on the 9th of February 1903 in Bedford, England. His father Herbert Hayes Scullard served as a minister while his mother Barbara Louisa Dodds raised him.

What academic positions did Howard Hayes Scullard hold at King's College London?

Howard Hayes Scullard became Professor of Ancient History at King's College London in 1959 after serving as a reader there until that year. He continued working at King's College until his retirement in 1970 after thirty-five years of service.

Who edited the first edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary with Howard Hayes Scullard?

The first edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary published in 1939 appeared alongside H.E. Butler. A second edition appeared in 1975 with N.G.L. Hammond contributing to its revision.

Which historical period does the textbook From the Gracchi to Nero by Howard Hayes Scullard cover?

A widely used textbook titled From the Gracchi to Nero covered Roman history from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68. It also served those examining the period under the Julio-Claudians dynasty and won the Thirlwall Prize.

When did Howard Hayes Scullard die and what posthumous work did he complete?

Howard Hayes Scullard died on the 31st of March 1983 while writing chapters for the re-edition of The Cambridge Ancient History. His contributions to volumes VII and VIII were not released until after his death.