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 melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mitsotakis hails ‘historic day’ as he joins Trump at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis briefly met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the global summit on Gaza’s future

‘A Holy Land at peace’: Trump declares end to two-year Gaza war

Hamas has released the final surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed Palestinian detainees.

Philanthropy and fellowship shine at Hellenic Medical Society Gala Ball in Melbourne

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), hosted its annual Gala Ball on Saturday, October...

Victoria Haralabidou on love, loss and legacy: Revisiting ‘Brides’ at the Greek Film Festival

Actress Victoria Haralabidou reflects on her journey from Brides to today - a story of migration, memory and the power of love on screen.

Areti Ketime mesmerises Sydney at the Zeibekiko Festival Australia

The soulful sounds of Greece filled the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL on Friday, 10 October, as Areti Ketime took centre stage.

You May Also Like

George Calombaris makes restaurant comeback in Melbourne

Greek Australian chef George Calombaris is set to open his first Melbourne restaurant in three years, The Hellenic House Project. 

Gezel Bardossi named ‘One to Watch’ at NSW Women of the Year Awards   

The Greek Italian Australian teenager Gezel Bardossi has been named a recipient of the NSW Women of the Year Awards for 2024. Read more here.

Greek business in Campbelltown donates $400 worth of food vouchers to those in need

Big Fat Greek in Campbelltown has donated 20 vouchers worth $20 each to give to people in the community who are struggling.