Encyclopedia, Difference between revisions of "William Matthew Flinders Petrie" - New World

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'''William Matthew Flinders Petrie''' (born June 3, 1853 – died July, 28 1942) was an [[England|English]] [[Egyptology|Egyptologist]] and a pioneer of systematic methodology in archaeology. He is often considered as one of the fathers of modern archeology.  
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'''William Matthew Flinders Petrie''' (born June 3, 1853 – died July, 28 1942) was an [[England|English]] [[Egyptology|Egyptologist]] and a pioneer of systematic methodology in [[archaeology]]. He is often considered as one of the fathers of modern archeology.  
  
 
==Life==
 
==Life==
  
'''William Petrie''' was born in Charlton, [[England]], in a family of devoted Christians. Petrie was the grandson of Captain [[Matthew Flinders]], explorer and the first man to chart [[Australia]]. His mother Anne was interested in science herself, collecting fossils and minerals, and encouraged intellectual pursuits of her son. She taught him at home and introduced to Hebrew, Latin, and Greek language. On the other side, his father William, a civil engineer and a professional surveyor, taught his son how to survey accurately, laying the foundation for a career excavating and surveying ancient sites in [[Egypt]] and the [[Levant]]. Already as a teenager Petrie started to survey buildings and historical places across England, including the famous [[Stonehenge]]. He published his first book in 1880, called ''Stonehenge: Plans, Description, and Theories''. At that time he was working as a Practical Surveyor in south England. His only formal education was an university course in mathematics.
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'''William Matthew Flinders Petrie''' was born in Charlton, [[England]], in a family of devoted [[Christianity|Christians]]. He was the grandson of Captain Matthew Flinders, explorer and the first man to chart [[Australia]]. His mother, Anne, was interested in science herself, collecting [[fossil]]s and [[mineral]]s. She encouraged the intellectual pursuits of her son, teaching him at home. She introduced him to the [[Hebrew]], [[Latin]], and [[Greek]] languages.  
  
Petrie started to explore Egypt and Middle East in early 1880s. From 1880 to 1883 he led excavations at the site of The Great Pyramid of Giza. His meticulous and systematic style of research soon made him famous. Petrie went on to excavate at many of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt such as [[Abydos, Egypt|Abydos]] and [[Amarna]]. About the same time he made probably his most important discovery, that of the [[Merneptah Stele]].
+
On the other hand, his father William, a civil [[engineer]] and professional surveyor, taught his son how to survey accurately, laying the foundation for a career excavating and surveying ancient sites in [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] and the [[Levant]]. Already as a teenager Petrie started to survey buildings and historical places across England, including the famous [[Stonehenge]]. He published his first book in 1880, called ''Stonehenge: Plans, Description, and Theories''. At that time he was working as a Practical Surveyor in south England. His only formal [[education]] was a [[university]] course in [[mathematics]].
  
Having accomplished such impressive work at Giza, Petrie was recommended to the [[Egypt Exploration Fund]] (now the [[Egypt Exploration Society]]), who needed an archaeologist in Egypt to succeed [[Édouard Naville]]. Petrie accepted the position and was given the sum of £250 per month to cover the excavations’ expenses. In November 1884, Petrie arrived to Egypt and continued his excavations. At the same time he occasionally drifted to Middle East where he performed several field studies in Palestine.  
+
Petrie started to explore Egypt and the [[Middle East]] in the early 1880s. From 1880 to 1883 he led excavations at the site of The Great [[Pyramid of Giza]]. His meticulous and systematic style of research soon made him famous. Petrie went on to excavate many of the most important [[archaeology|archaeological]] sites in Egypt such as [[Abydos, Egypt|Abydos]] and Amarna. About the same time he made probably his most important discovery, that of the [[stele]] of [[Merneptah]].
  
Although Petrie had no formal education, he was made a professor at the University College, [[London]]. There he served from 1892 to 1933 as the first Edwards Professor of Egyptian Archaeology and Philology. This chair had been funded by [[Amelia Edwards]], who was a strong supporter of Petrie. He continued to excavate in Egypt after taking up the professorship, training many of the best archaeologists of the day. In 1913 Petrie sold his large collection of Egyptian antiquities to [[University College, London]], where it is now housed in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. 1923 saw Petrie knighted for services to British archaeology and Egyptology.
+
Having accomplished such impressive work at Giza, Petrie was recommended to the Egypt Exploration Fund (later the Egypt Exploration Society), who needed an archaeologist in Egypt to succeed [[Édouard Naville]]. Petrie accepted the position and was given the sum of £250 per month to cover the excavations’ expenses. In November 1884, Petrie arrived to Egypt and continued his excavations. At the same time he occasionally drifted to Middle East where he performed several field studies in [[Palestine]].  
  
In 1926, the focus of Petrie’s work shifted permanently to Palestine and he began excavating several important sites in the southwestern region of the country, including Tell el-Jemmeh and Tell el-Ajjul. Petrie spent the last few years of his life living in Jerusalem, where he died in 1942. During this period, Sir William lived with Lady Petrie at the British School of Archaeology, then temporarily headquartered at the [[American School of Oriental Research]] (today called the Albright Institute). Upon his death, Petrie donated his head to science, specifically the Royal College of Surgeons of London, so that it could be studied for its high intellectual capacity - Petrie was no doubt, influenced by his interest in [[Eugenics]]. However, due to the wartime conditions that existed in 1942, his severed head was delayed in transport from Jerusalem to London, and was eventually lost. Petrie’s body, minus its head, was interred separately in the Protestant Cemetery on Mt. Zion.
+
Although Petrie had no formal education, he was made a professor at the University College, London. There he served from 1892 to 1933 as the first Edwards Professor of Egyptian Archaeology and Philology. This chair had been funded by Amelia Edwards, a strong supporter of Petrie. He continued to excavate in Egypt after taking up the professorship, training many of the best archaeologists of the day. In 1913, Petrie sold his large collection of Egyptian antiquities to University College, London, where it is was housed in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. 1923 saw Petrie knighted for services to British archaeology and [[Egyptology]].
 +
 
 +
In 1926, the focus of Petrie’s work shifted permanently to Palestine and he began excavating several important sites in the southwestern region of the country, including Tell el-Jemmeh and Tell el-Ajjul. Petrie spent the last few years of his life living in [[Jerusalem]], where he died in 1942. During this period, Sir William lived with Lady Petrie at the British School of Archaeology, then temporarily headquartered at the American School of Oriental Research (later the Albright Institute).  
 +
 
 +
Petrie arranged that on his death his head be donated to science, specifically the Royal College of Surgeons of London, so that it could be studied for its high intellectual capacity. Petrie was, no doubt, influenced by his interest in [[eugenics]]. However, due to the [[war]]time conditions that existed in 1942, his severed head was delayed in transport from Jerusalem to London, and was eventually lost. Petrie’s body, minus its head, was interred separately in the Protestant Cemetery on Mt. Zion.
  
 
==Work==
 
==Work==
  
Petrie can be considered a founder of a systematic archeological method of research. His painstaking recording and study of artifacts set new standards in archaeology. By linking styles of pottery with periods, he was the first to use [[seriation]] in Egyptology, a new method for establishing the chronology of a site. A number of Petrie's discoveries were presented to the [[Royal Archaeological Society]] and described in the society's ''Archaeological Journal'' by his good friend and fellow archaeologist, [[Flaxman Charles John Spurrell]].  
+
Flinders Petrie can be considered the founder of systematic methods of research in [[archaelogy]]. His painstaking recording and study of artifacts set new standards in the field. By linking styles of [[pottery]] with time periods, he was the first to use [[seriation]] in [[Egyptology]], a new method for establishing the chronology of a site. A number of Petrie's discoveries were presented to the Royal Archaeological Society and described in the society's ''Archaeological Journal'' by his good friend and fellow archaeologist, Flaxman Charles John Spurrell.  
  
Among many his significant discoveries in Egypt is his work in the Al-Fayyum region of Egypt. He found there numerous papyri and pottery that was of Greek origin, which substantiated certain dates of ancient Mycenaean civilization. In addition, he excavated thousands of graves of primitive ancient Egyptians at Naqadah, north of Thebes, and found the remaining of the city of Akhenaton with famous artictic ornaments from the Amarna age (14th ct BC).   
+
Among many his significant discoveries in [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] is his work in the Al-Fayyum region. He found there numerous examples of papyrus and pottery of Greek origin, which substantiated certain dates of ancient [[Mycenaean]] civilization. In addition, he excavated thousands of graves of primitive ancient Egyptians at Naqadah, north of Thebes, and found the remains of the city of [[Akhenaton]], containing many beautiful ornaments from the Amarna age (fourteenth century B.C.E.).   
  
During his career as an Egyptologists, Petrie often may forays into [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] where he conducted important archaeological work. For instance, his 1890 six-week excavation of [[Tell el-Hesi]] (which was mistakenly identified as [[Lachish]]), represents the first scientific excavation of an archaeological site in the [[Holy Land]]. At another point in the late nineteenth-century, Petrie surveyed a group of tombs in the ''Wadi al-Rababah'' (the biblical [[Hinnom]]) of [[Jerusalem]], largely dating to the Iron Age and early Roman periods.  Here, in these ancient monuments, Petrie discovered two different metrical systems.  
+
During his career as an Egyptologist, Petrie often may forays into [[Palestine]] where he conducted important archaeological work. His six-week excavation of Tell el-Hesi (which was mistakenly identified as [[Lachish]]), in 1890 represents the first scientific excavation of an archaeological site in the Holy Land. At another point in the late nineteenth-century, Petrie surveyed a group of tombs in the Wadi al-Rababah (the biblical Hinnom) of [[Jerusalem]], largely dating to the [[Iron Age]] and early [[Roman]] periods.  Here, in these ancient monuments, Petrie discovered two different metrical systems.  
  
 
Another important discovery Petrie made was of a Stele of Mernepath at Thebes. There he found writings that contain the earliest known Egyptian reference to Israel, dated around 1236 to 1223 B.C.E.  
 
Another important discovery Petrie made was of a Stele of Mernepath at Thebes. There he found writings that contain the earliest known Egyptian reference to Israel, dated around 1236 to 1223 B.C.E.  

Revision as of 19:30, 18 September 2006

William Matthew Flinders Petrie (born June 3, 1853 – died July, 28 1942) was an English Egyptologist and a pioneer of systematic methodology in archaeology. He is often considered as one of the fathers of modern archeology.

Life

William Matthew Flinders Petrie was born in Charlton, England, in a family of devoted Christians. He was the grandson of Captain Matthew Flinders, explorer and the first man to chart Australia. His mother, Anne, was interested in science herself, collecting fossils and minerals. She encouraged the intellectual pursuits of her son, teaching him at home. She introduced him to the Hebrew, Latin, and Greek languages.

On the other hand, his father William, a civil engineer and professional surveyor, taught his son how to survey accurately, laying the foundation for a career excavating and surveying ancient sites in Egypt and the Levant. Already as a teenager Petrie started to survey buildings and historical places across England, including the famous Stonehenge. He published his first book in 1880, called Stonehenge: Plans, Description, and Theories. At that time he was working as a Practical Surveyor in south England. His only formal education was a university course in mathematics.

Petrie started to explore Egypt and the Middle East in the early 1880s. From 1880 to 1883 he led excavations at the site of The Great Pyramid of Giza. His meticulous and systematic style of research soon made him famous. Petrie went on to excavate many of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt such as Abydos and Amarna. About the same time he made probably his most important discovery, that of the stele of Merneptah.

Having accomplished such impressive work at Giza, Petrie was recommended to the Egypt Exploration Fund (later the Egypt Exploration Society), who needed an archaeologist in Egypt to succeed Édouard Naville. Petrie accepted the position and was given the sum of £250 per month to cover the excavations’ expenses. In November 1884, Petrie arrived to Egypt and continued his excavations. At the same time he occasionally drifted to Middle East where he performed several field studies in Palestine.

Although Petrie had no formal education, he was made a professor at the University College, London. There he served from 1892 to 1933 as the first Edwards Professor of Egyptian Archaeology and Philology. This chair had been funded by Amelia Edwards, a strong supporter of Petrie. He continued to excavate in Egypt after taking up the professorship, training many of the best archaeologists of the day. In 1913, Petrie sold his large collection of Egyptian antiquities to University College, London, where it is was housed in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. 1923 saw Petrie knighted for services to British archaeology and Egyptology.

In 1926, the focus of Petrie’s work shifted permanently to Palestine and he began excavating several important sites in the southwestern region of the country, including Tell el-Jemmeh and Tell el-Ajjul. Petrie spent the last few years of his life living in Jerusalem, where he died in 1942. During this period, Sir William lived with Lady Petrie at the British School of Archaeology, then temporarily headquartered at the American School of Oriental Research (later the Albright Institute).

Petrie arranged that on his death his head be donated to science, specifically the Royal College of Surgeons of London, so that it could be studied for its high intellectual capacity. Petrie was, no doubt, influenced by his interest in eugenics. However, due to the wartime conditions that existed in 1942, his severed head was delayed in transport from Jerusalem to London, and was eventually lost. Petrie’s body, minus its head, was interred separately in the Protestant Cemetery on Mt. Zion.

Work

Flinders Petrie can be considered the founder of systematic methods of research in archaelogy. His painstaking recording and study of artifacts set new standards in the field. By linking styles of pottery with time periods, he was the first to use seriation in Egyptology, a new method for establishing the chronology of a site. A number of Petrie's discoveries were presented to the Royal Archaeological Society and described in the society's Archaeological Journal by his good friend and fellow archaeologist, Flaxman Charles John Spurrell.

Among many his significant discoveries in Egypt is his work in the Al-Fayyum region. He found there numerous examples of papyrus and pottery of Greek origin, which substantiated certain dates of ancient Mycenaean civilization. In addition, he excavated thousands of graves of primitive ancient Egyptians at Naqadah, north of Thebes, and found the remains of the city of Akhenaton, containing many beautiful ornaments from the Amarna age (fourteenth century B.C.E.).

During his career as an Egyptologist, Petrie often may forays into Palestine where he conducted important archaeological work. His six-week excavation of Tell el-Hesi (which was mistakenly identified as Lachish), in 1890 represents the first scientific excavation of an archaeological site in the Holy Land. At another point in the late nineteenth-century, Petrie surveyed a group of tombs in the Wadi al-Rababah (the biblical Hinnom) of Jerusalem, largely dating to the Iron Age and early Roman periods. Here, in these ancient monuments, Petrie discovered two different metrical systems.

Another important discovery Petrie made was of a Stele of Mernepath at Thebes. There he found writings that contain the earliest known Egyptian reference to Israel, dated around 1236 to 1223 B.C.E.

Legacy

Petrie’s most significant contribution to archeology is his method of statistical analysis of the materials, through which he was able to rather precisely (for that time) determine how old the material was. This method was started to be used again in 1970s, with computers replacing Petrie’s slips of cards. In addition, Petrie improved the technique and method of field excavations, pawing the path of modern archeology. His excavations in Palestine were the first of such kind in the Holy Land, providing the guidelines for all future research in that area.

Bibliography

  • Petrie, W.M.F. 1892. The Tomb-Cutter’s Cubits at Jerusalem. Palestine Exploration Fund Quarterly, 24, 24–35.
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 1969. Seventy Years in Archaeology. Greenwood Press Reprint. ISBN 0837122414
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2001. (original work from 1895). Egyptian Tales Translated from the Papyri (2 Vols.). Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1402186258
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2001. (original work from 1905). A History of Egypt (3 Vols.). Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 0543993264
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2001. (original work from 1906). Researches in Sinai. Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1402175159
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2001. Syria and Egypt: From the Tell el Amarna Letters. Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1402195222
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2002. The Pyramids and Temples of Gizeh. Kegan Paul. ISBN 0710307098
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2005. (original work from 1907). Gizeh and Rifeh. Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1421216817
  • Petrie, W.M.F. 2005. (original work from 1912). The Revolutions of Civilisation. Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1402159315
  • Petrie, W.M.F. & Duncan, John. 2005. (original work from 1906). Hyksos and Israelite Cities. Adamant Media Corporation. ISBN 1402142293

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Callaway, Joseph A. 1980. Sir Flinders Petrie, Father of Palestinian Archaeology. Biblical Archaeology Review, 6(6), 44–55.
  • Dever William G. 2002. What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?: What Archaeology Can Tell Us About the Reality of Ancient Israel? Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. ISBN 080282126X
  • Drower, Margaret S. 1995. Flinders Petrie: A Life in Archaeology. University of Wisconsin Press. ISBN 0299146243
  • Drower Margaret S. 2004. Letters from the Desert: The Correspondence of Flinders and Hilda Petrie. Aris & Philips. ISBN 0856687480
  • Uphill, E.P. 1972. A Bibliography of Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853–1942). Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 31, 356–379.

External links

  • Biography – The Palestine Exploration Fund website

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