The Great Archaeologists

The book "The Diggers" is a captivating account of 200 years of archaeological research, excavation, and thought, told through the life stories of 70 of the world's greatest pioneers and practitioners. It includes controversial figures such as Heinrich Schliemann and Aurel Stein, as well as little-known pioneers, and covers more than two centuries of research and excavation around the globe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

A captivating journey through 200 years of archaeological exploration, excavation, and thought, presented through the remarkable lives of 70 of the world's foremost pioneers and practitioners.

Brian Fagan has assembled an exceptional team of esteemed living archaeologists, who skillfully and engagingly delve into the stories of their distinguished predecessors. This extensively illustrated book encompasses a vast expanse of over two centuries of research and excavation across the globe, offering a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes, personal accounts, and unexpected insights.

Controversial figures like Heinrich Schliemann, renowned for his discoveries in Troy, and Aurel Stein, the notorious plunderer of ancient manuscripts from Central Asia, are reassessed in this comprehensive work. Alongside these renowned figures, lesser-known pioneers such as Max Uhle in Peru and Li Chi in China find their place alongside the giants of the field. Names like Lepsius, Mariette, and Carter in Egypt; Koldewey, Dörpfeld, and Woolley in the Near East; Stephens and Catherwood, the discoverers of the magnificent Maya civilization in Mexico; and Louis and Mary Leakey, who revolutionized our understanding of African ancestry, grace the pages of this remarkable book.

Furthermore, the stories of other indomitable women, including Gertrude Bell, the explorer of Arabia and Iraq, Kathleen Kenyon, the excavator of Jericho, and the script-decipherer Tatiana Proskouriakoff, are woven into the fabric of this captivating narrative.

This captivating account of 200 years of archaeological research, excavation, and thought is a testament to the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals and their profound contributions to our understanding of human history and culture.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500296752