She got a licentiate degree in 1954 and thereafter spent several years as a school teacher in Latin and Ancient Greek.
During this time she also published articles on archaeological and art historical issues, notably on ceramics and tombstones.
In 1972 she got a doctoral degree and established herself firmly in the academic world in Sweden.
In 1979 she was made professor of classical studies at Uppsala University.
In 1989 she became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.