Winged Bull: The Extraordinary Life of Henry Layard, the Adventurer Who Discovered the Lost City of Nineveh

In the summer of 1839, Henry Layard left England for eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire, experiencing one dramatic adventure after another. He made some of the most important archaeology discoveries ever, uncovering the ruins of Nineveh and the lost Assyrian capital of Ashur. His personal account of his finds at Nineveh became a bestseller, and he played a key role in saving Istanbul from destruction and looting during a war. He may have also been the first "archaeologist with a conscience" who sought formal permission from local authorities and deeply respected the lands and cultures he explored.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Prometheus Books
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In the summer of 1839, Henry Layard embarked on an extraordinary journey that took him from his native England to the eastern reaches of Europe and the distant lands of the Ottoman Empire. At the age of twenty-two, Layard had never set foot in these regions, and his knowledge of their languages was limited. However, what awaited him was a series of thrilling and perilous adventures that would test his courage and resilience to the utmost.

Layard's first encounter with danger came as he journeyed through the rugged terrain of the Balkans. He narrowly escaped death on several occasions, encountering bandits and other unscrupulous individuals who sought to exploit him. His determination to explore unknown lands and uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations drove him forward, and he persevered despite the threats he faced.

One of Layard's most remarkable adventures occurred in Persia, where he rode with the legendary Bakhtiari warriors. These fierce nomads were known for their bravery and loyalty, and Layard was fortunate to be accepted into their society. He spent months traveling with them, witnessing their customs and rituals and learning about their way of life. Layard's experiences with the Bakhtiari would later inspire his book, "The Adventures of Mr. Layard in Persia," which became a bestseller upon its publication in 1842.

Layard's archaeological discoveries were also noteworthy. In 1845, he uncovered the ruins of Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian capital that had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 612 BC. His findings were groundbreaking, and they helped to shed light on the history and culture of the region. Layard's work also led to the rescue of scores of Yezidi refugees who had been persecuted by the Ottoman Turks. Thanks to his secret efforts, the refugees were able to escape to safety and find refuge in neighboring countries.

Upon his return to England, Layard's personal account of his findings at Nineveh became a bestseller. His work had a profound impact on the public's understanding of archaeology and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Layard went on to witness several significant events of his time, including the famous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. He also played a key role in saving Istanbul from destruction and looting during a war between the British and the Ottoman Empire.

Layard's legacy as an archaeologist and explorer is enduring. His discoveries and writings have inspired generations of scholars and enthusiasts, and his commitment to ethical and responsible exploration has set a standard for the field. He may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, but his work has had a lasting impact on the world of archaeology and the preservation of cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Henry Layard's journey from England to the eastern reaches of Europe and the Ottoman Empire was a remarkable one. Despite his youth and lack of experience, Layard embarked on a series of daring adventures that tested his courage and resilience to the utmost. His archaeological discoveries, his interactions with different cultures, and his efforts to rescue Yezidi refugees have left a lasting impact on the world of archaeology and the preservation of cultural heritage. Layard's legacy as an archaeologist and explorer is a testament to his determination, curiosity, and respect for the lands and cultures he explored.

\n Weight: 544g\n
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781633886995\n \n