On May 29, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation presented Barry S. Strauss ‘74, an esteemed classicist, military and naval historian, and best-selling author, with a 2025 Bradley Prize. Strauss received the award at the Bradley Prizes ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
Now in its 21st year, the Bradley Prize is awarded to individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism and honors the ideals of the Western tradition. “Barry is a historian of profound insight, whose career has opened to new generations the richness and rigor of studying the classical world,” said Rick Graber, president of The Bradley Foundation. “Barry’s principled scholarship, defense of free speech in the academy, and advancement of informed citizenship through his teaching underscore his contributions to preserving freedom. His work deepens our understanding of Western civilization and strengthens the intellectual foundations of liberty. We are pleased to honor Barry with a Bradley Prize.”
The award winners were chosen by the Bradley Prizes Selection Committee, after careful review of over 60 distinguished nominations. Each award carries a stipend of $300,000. “I’m honored beyond words by this recognition by The Bradley Foundation, which has done so much to advance constitutional liberty and civic education in the roots of American exceptionalism,” Strauss said. “I am honored too to join the company of the distinguished men and women who are among the Bradley Prize winners. It’s a reminder that the work of educating free citizens is ongoing. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to express my gratitude to the Foundation, to my family, to my students, and to my teachers.”
Strauss is currently the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History. He is also the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he was the Chair of the Department of History as well as Professor of History and Classics. He is Director of Cornell’s Program on Freedom and Free Societies and past Director of its Peace Studies Program. Previously, he served as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Strauss is a recognized authority on leadership and the lessons that can be learned from the experiences of the greatest political and military leaders of the ancient world, such as Julius Caesar, Hannibal, and Alexander the Great.
Strauss has appeared on The History Channel, Netflix, CNN, PBS and The Discovery Channel and is host of the popular podcast, ANTIQUITAS: Leaders and Legends of the Ancient World.
Strauss is the author of ten books on ancient history which have been translated into twenty languages. His recent book, The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium was top on Amazon ‘s bestseller list and was named to four best books of the year lists. In August he will publish his latest book, Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire.
In addition to his academic achievements, Strauss is also an avid rower. In 1999, he published a book entitled, Rowing Against the Current: On Learning to Scull at Forty.
Strauss’ acceptance speech said, “American Universities are a national treasure, but it is a tarnished treasure.” He said, “We need great research universities, but we also need universities that guarantee free speech, and vigorous intellectual debate. Our job as scholars is to expand the boundaries of knowledge. Our job as educators is to teach students to think for themselves.”
Also honored at the May 29 gala were: Christopher F. Rufo and James Piereson. Jimmy Lai, who is currently imprisoned in Hong Kong, also received an honorary award.
