Mortimer Wheeler

Mortimer Wheeler
Bassano Ltd · Public domain · source
Name	Mortimer Wheeler
Birth date	September 10, 1890
Birth place	Glasgow, Scotland
Death date	July 22, 1976
Death place	London, England
Nationality	British
Fields	Archaeology, Ancient History

Mortimer Wheeler was a renowned British archaeologist, known for his work in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. He is famous for his excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which helped to uncover the secrets of the Indus Valley Civilization. Wheeler's work was influenced by his time at University College London, where he studied under Flinders Petrie and Arthur Evans. He was also associated with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and the Society of Antiquaries of London.

● Early Life and Education

Mortimer Wheeler was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to a family of English and Scottish descent. He was educated at University College School in London and later at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he studied Classics under Francis Cornford and Arthur Bernard Cook. Wheeler's interest in Archaeology was sparked by his time at University College London, where he met Flinders Petrie and Arthur Evans, who were both prominent figures in the field. He also drew inspiration from the work of Heinrich Schliemann and his excavations at Troy.

● Career

Wheeler's career in Archaeology began in the early 20th century, when he worked with the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Royal Archaeological Institute. He later became the Director of the National Museum of Wales and the London Museum, where he oversaw the excavation of several important sites, including Verulamium and Maiden Castle. Wheeler's work took him to various parts of the world, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where he worked with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka. He was also associated with the British Academy and the Royal Society.

● Archaeological Contributions

Wheeler's most significant archaeological contributions were his excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which helped to uncover the secrets of the Indus Valley Civilization. He also worked at Taxila, Charsadda, and Sirkap, where he discovered important artifacts and structures. Wheeler's work was influenced by his interest in Ancient History and his association with scholars such as V. Gordon Childe and Stuart Piggott. He was also known for his work on the Roman Empire and his excavations at Roman Britain sites, including Verulamium and Caerleon.

● Personal Life

Wheeler was married to Tessa Verney Wheeler, who was also an archaeologist and worked with him on several excavations. He was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to communicate complex ideas to a wide audience. Wheeler was also a prolific writer and published several books on Archaeology and Ancient History, including The Indus Civilization and Roman Art and Architecture. He was awarded the CBE in 1952 for his services to Archaeology and was also a fellow of the British Academy and the Royal Society.

● Legacy

Wheeler's legacy in Archaeology is still felt today, with his work continuing to influence scholars such as Colin Renfrew and Barry Cunliffe. His excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa helped to establish the Indus Valley Civilization as one of the most important ancient civilizations in the world. Wheeler's work also helped to promote the field of Archaeology and to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites, such as Stonehenge and Avebury. He is remembered as one of the most important British archaeologists of the 20th century, alongside Flinders Petrie and Arthur Evans. Category:Archaeologists