Meet Victor Davis Hanson
Victor Davis Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is an American military historian, columnist, former classics professor, and scholar of ancient warfare.
Born and raised on a family farm near Selma, California, Hanson has maintained deep connections to the agrarian roots that inform much of his cultural commentary. His work bridges the ancient and modern worlds, examining contemporary political and social issues through the lens of classical history.
A prolific author and commentator, Hanson has written over two dozen books on classical and military history, contemporary politics, and American farming. His syndicated column appears in major publications, and he is a frequent media commentator on political and historical matters.
Academic & Professional Credentials
Ph.D. in Classics, Stanford University
B.A. in Classics, University of California, Santa Cruz
Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow
Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Professor of Classics
California State University, Fresno (1984-2004)
Ancient Greek Warfare, Military History, American Agriculture, Classical Culture
National Humanities Medal (2007)
Bradley Prize (2008)
Edmund Burke Award
Author of 23+ books including The Dying Citizen, The Second World Wars,The Case for Trump
Career Timeline
Born in Fowler, California
Raised on a family farm near Selma in the Central Valley, developing a lifelong connection to agrarian America.
B.A. in Classics - UC Santa Cruz
Graduated with honors, beginning his formal study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization.
Ph.D. in Classics - Stanford University
Completed doctoral dissertation on warfare in ancient Greece, establishing his expertise in military history.
Professor at CSU Fresno
Joined California State University, Fresno as a professor of classics, teaching for two decades.
Published "The Western Way of War"
Groundbreaking study that revolutionized understanding of ancient Greek warfare and its cultural context.
"Carnage and Culture" Published
Examined nine decisive battles in Western history, exploring how cultural factors determine military outcomes.
Joined Hoover Institution
Became Senior Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, expanding his reach as a public intellectual.
National Humanities Medal
Awarded by President George W. Bush for contributions to the study of classics and military history.
"The Dying Citizen" Published
New York Times bestseller examining erosion of citizenship and civic virtue in contemporary America.
Continued Commentary & Writing
Remains active as columnist, author, and media commentator on political and historical issues.
Victor Davis Hanson Through the Years
Published Works & Media
Hanson has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review, Washington Times, and many other publications. His syndicated column appears in newspapers across the United States.
He is a frequent guest on major news networks and radio programs, providing historical context and commentary on current events. His podcast, The Victor Davis Hanson Show, attracts a large and devoted audience.
Through his writing, teaching, and commentary, Hanson continues to bridge the ancient and modern worlds, offering
insights drawn from history to illuminate contemporary challenges.