Ruth Shady

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Ruth Shady's achievements are extraordinary by any measure. She discovered the oldest known civilization in the Americas, a find that reshaped the continent's history. Her work has been recognized with Peru's highest national honor, the Order of the Sun, and with honorary doctorates from leading universities. She has also been a trailblazer for women in science, serving as the IANAS focal point for Peru and mentoring a new generation of archaeologists. Her discoveries continue to make headlines, from the elite burial at Áspero to the city of Peñico, and her legacy is secure as the woman who gave the Americas their oldest known city.

AwardsRuth Shady has received numerous academic and humanitarian honors. She was awarded the Order of the Sun by the Peruvian government, and she has received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the National University of San Marcos. She has also been recognized by UNESCO for her work leading to the World Heritage inscription of Caral, and by the IANAS Women for Science Program as a focal point for Peru.

Honours & Distinctions

Order of the Sun

Government of Peru·2001

Peru's highest national honor, awarded for contributions to culture and history.

Honorary Doctorate

National University of San Marcos·2005

Recognized for decades of service to archaeology and anthropology.

IANAS Women for Science Focal Point

Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences·2015

Designated as the focal point for Peru, highlighting her role as a female leader in science.

Rankings & Lists

#Listed

Influential Women in Science

TIME·2019

#Listed

Top Archaeological Discoveries of the Century

National Geographic·2020

Records & Feats

Discovery of the oldest known civilization in the Americas

Historic First·2001

Proved that Caral dates to c. 3000 BCE, making it the oldest urban center in the Western Hemisphere.