Arthur Evans: The British archaeologist who discovered the Palace of Knossos

·

One of the greatest discoveries made in the modern world was pioneered by none other than British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, who paved the way for the analysis of ancient Minoan culture.

The eminent British archaeologist was one of the pioneers in the study of the Aegean civilisations of the Bronze Age, with his major work being the discovery of the Palace of Knossos in Crete.

Arthur Evans at the Palace of Knossos. Photo: British Archaeology at the Ashmolean Museum.

Born on July 8, 1851 in Nas Mills, East England, Arthur was the son of the archaeologist John Evans (1823-1908). He studied archaeology at Oxford and soon turned to monetary archaeology.

His interest in coins and seals led him to Crete for the first time in 1894. He later returned and from 1899 to 1934, starting with his own money, he brought to light the ruins of Knossos, which covered an area of ​​17 square meters. 

Arthur helped make the world aware of the Cretan culture of the Bronze Age, which he named Minoan, correlating the complex plan of the Palace of Knossos with the labyrinth.

The Palace of Knossos today. Photo: viator.com.

After researching layers under the palace and carefully comparing its findings with Egyptian excavations, Arthur created a chronological system that formed the first systematic basis for dating prehistoric times in Europe.

His interpretations, as is natural in the work of pioneers, contained many weaknesses and exaggerations but in general, his work sealed the development of knowledge of prehistoric civilisations in Greece. 

From 1909, he was an Associate Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at the University of Oxford. In 1911, for his services to archaeology, he was knighted by King George and was awarded the title of “Sir.”

Arthur died on July 11, 1941, in Oxford, at the age of 90.

Source: San Simera.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

Movie ‘Arcadia’ picked for Oscars 2026 as Greek entry

The submission will represent the country at the 98th edition of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States.

Greece remains world’s maritime powerhouse in 2025

Greece continues to dominate global shipping, maintaining its position as the world’s top ship-owning nation by capacity.

WA Parliament hosts discussion on book honouring Colonel George Devine Treloar

The Hon. Maryka Groenewald MLC hosted an afternoon tea discussion on Tuesday, 30 September at the Parliament of Western Australia.

You May Also Like

South Australia’s Pontians commemorate genocide with wreath laying ceremony

The Pontian Greek genocide was commemorated by the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia Inc in Adelaide.

‘State hijacking’: Athens-Vilnius flight forced to land in Belarus, journalist arrested

A Ryanair flight from Athens to Lithuanian capital Vilnius was diverted while over Belarus airspace and was forced to land in Minsk.

Greece to repay bailout loans a decade early amid strong economic rebound

Greece plans to repay its first bailout loans by 2031 — ten years ahead of schedule — Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has confirmed.