James Henry Breasted
James Henry Breasted
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
James Henry Breasted was a renowned American Egyptologist, archaeologist, and historian.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 27, 1865, in Rockford, Illinois. He passed away on May 2, 1935, in New York City.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Breasted was an American of Egyptian heritage through his father, who was a civil engineer. Breasted's career spanned multiple disciplines: archaeology, Egyptology, history, and academia.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, James Henry Breasted developed a passion for ancient civilizations at a young age. His family's exposure to the works of European explorers and travelers piqued his interest in Egyptology. This fascination led him to study classics at Yale University and later pursue archaeology.
Major Accomplishments
Breasted made significant contributions to the field of Egyptology:
Egyptian Expedition: He organized an expedition to Egypt, which marked the beginning of systematic archaeological exploration in the region.
Discovery of the Great Library of Alexandria: Breasted's team discovered remnants of the legendary library, furthering understanding of ancient knowledge and culture.
Development of New Archaeological Methods: Breasted introduced innovative techniques for excavation, documentation, and preservation, raising the bar for archaeological research.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
Ancient Records of Egypt (1906): A five-volume set detailing the history of ancient Egypt.
A History of Egypt (1909): A comprehensive history of Egyptian civilization from its earliest beginnings to the Roman period.
The Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt (1912): An exploration of the spiritual and intellectual evolution of ancient Egyptians.
Impact and Legacy
Breasted's groundbreaking work in Egyptology has had a lasting impact on our understanding of ancient civilizations. His meticulous excavation methods, innovative documentation techniques, and thorough historical accounts have set a high standard for future researchers:
Advancements in Archaeological Methods: Breasted's contributions to the field of archaeology paved the way for more systematic and scientific approaches to excavations.
Raising Awareness about Ancient Cultures: His work has not only shed light on Egyptian history but also fostered a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of other ancient civilizations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
James Henry Breasted's dedication to Egyptology, his groundbreaking discoveries, and his contributions to archaeological methods have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential Egyptologists in history. His quotes and writings continue to inspire new generations of researchers and scholars, underscoring the significance of preserving ancient knowledge and cultural heritage.
Breasted's impact extends beyond academia: he has inspired a broader understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of human civilization. His work serves as a testament to the importance of preserving our collective past, ensuring that future generations can learn from and build upon the achievements of those who came before us.
Quotes by James Henry Breasted
James Henry Breasted's insights on:
Today the traveller on the Nile enters a wonderland at whose gates rise the colossal pyramids of which he has had visions perhaps from earliest childhood.
We of America are especially fitted to visualize and to understand the marvellous transformation of a wilderness into a land of splendid cities.
It is important to bear in mind the now commonly accepted fact that in its primitive stages, religion had nothing to do with morals as understood by us today.
This recognition of the earlier human background, now so obvious to us, did not come all at once, for the inclusion of history itself in university instruction is an event less than two centuries old.
There is but little room for doubt that Egypt led the way in the creation of the earliest known group of civilizations which arose on both sides of the land bridge between Africa and Eurasia in the fourth millennium B.C.
The man who first gave history a recognized place in science was an ancient historian.
It is this conception of the unity of the human career which is perhaps the greatest achievement of historical study, since it gained a place analogous to that of natural science.
In any case, in so far as our knowledge of the universe carries us, the advent of civilization for the first time on our globe represents the highest ascent of the life processes to which evolution had anywhere attained.
Disapproval is a very important factor in all progress. There has really never been any progress without it.