David W. Phillipson, Professor of African Archaeology at Cambridge University, will today be awarded the Frend Medal by the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Professor Phillipson, who is also Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University, will receive the award for his “outstanding contributions to knowledge in the fields of the history of the early Christian Church” in recognition of his work in Ethiopia, particularly at Axum and Lalibela.

“I am delighted that this underlines Ethiopia's prominent role in early Christianity,” Professor Phillipson said before collecting the award.

The Society of Antiquaries of London is one of London’s oldest learned societies, with their inaugural meeting in 1707 and Royal Charter bestowed in 1751. The Society aims to ‘encourage, advance and further the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries.’

The Society's interests embrace all aspects of archaeology, architectural and art history, conservation, heraldry, anthropological, ecclesiastical, documentary, musical and linguistic study – all linked by the study of the material remains of the past.

The Frend Medal – named for and given by Society Fellow William Frend -  is awarded by the society’s President each year to those individuals that have made outstanding contributions to knowledge in the fields of the archaeology, history and topography of the early Christian Church.

ENDS