She is particularly known for her research on ancient economics, and the social and cultural history of the Graeco-Roman world.

Von Reden studied economics and history at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg (graduating in 1987), and then studied Classical Philology and History at the Free University Berlin and the University of Cambridge.

Von Reden received her doctorate in Ancient History at the University of Cambridge.

[4] In March 2017, Reden received an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for her project Beyond the Silk Road, endowed with €2.5 million.

[2] This eventually resulted in the publication of Handbook of Ancient Afro-Eurasian Economies in three volumes during the period 2020–2023 with Reden as editor.