Ernst Emil Herzfeld

Ernst Emil Herzfeld

German archaeologist and Iranian philologist.
Date of Birth: 23.07.1879
Country: Germany

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Archaeological Expeditions
  3. Research and Publications
  4. Legacy and Influence

Early Life and Education

Ernst Emil Herzfeld, a German archaeologist and philologist, was born on July 23, 1879, in Celle, to Joseph Herzfeld and Margaret Rosenthal. He attended one of Germany's oldest schools, the Domgymnasium Verden in Verden, and the Joachimsthalsches Gymnasium in Berlin. After a year of military service, he earned an architecture degree from the Technical University of Berlin. He also studied Assyriology and art history at the universities of Munich and Berlin.

Archaeological Expeditions

From 1903 to 1906, Herzfeld served as an assistant to Walter Andrae and Friedrich Delitzsch in the excavations of the city of Ashur. He gained international recognition for his archaeological investigations in Samarra (1911-1913) and Persepolis (1931-1934). He also conducted smaller-scale excavations in Cilicia and Pasargadae.

Research and Publications

Herzfeld's research focused on the archaeology and philology of ancient Iran. He traveled extensively throughout the region, studying ruins and inscriptions in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His publications include "Archaeological History of Iran" and "Altpersische Inschriften."

Legacy and Influence

Ernst Emil Herzfeld's contributions to the field of archaeology are significant. He played a key role in establishing the chronology of ancient Iranian history and in understanding the cultural connections between Iran and other civilizations. His research and excavations have inspired generations of archaeologists and helped shed light on the ancient world.

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