 |
Manuel Gomez-MorenoSpanish archaeologist, epigraphist, art historian and linguist. In the 1930s and 1940s, he deciphered the Paleohispanic script, which contributed to significant progress in the study of the ancient history of the Iberian Peninsula before the Roman conquest.
Date of Birth: 21.02.1870
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Manuel Gómez-Moreno: Spanish Archaeologist and Linguist
- Academic Career
- Decipherment of Iberian Scripts
- Other Archaeological Endeavors
- Impact on Spanish Archaeology
Manuel Gómez-Moreno: Spanish Archaeologist and Linguist
Early Life and EducationManuel Gómez-Moreno, born into an influential family in Granada, was destined for a life in the arts and archaeology. Following his father, an artist and academic, Gómez-Moreno pursued his interests in Italy, where he studied Italian and sketched archaeological sites. He returned to Granada to study philosophy and literature, collaborating with renowned scholars like Émil Hübner.
Academic Career
In the late 1890s, Gómez-Moreno embarked on archaeological expeditions across southern Spain. His passion for medieval architecture and history led him to lecture on biblical archaeology in Granada and become the director of archaeology and medieval art at the Center for Historical Studies. He also founded the esteemed journal Archivo Español de Arte y Arqueología.
Decipherment of Iberian Scripts
Gómez-Moreno's most significant contribution to archaeology was his groundbreaking decipherment of the northwestern Iberian script in 1925. This script conveyed both Iberian and Celtiberian languages. His hypothesis gained widespread acceptance after the publication of his revised work in 1943.
Other Archaeological Endeavors
Gómez-Moreno's archaeological pursuits extended beyond Iberian scripts. He studied Celtic settlements and Romanesque churches in Zamora, and explored archaeological sites in North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Impact on Spanish Archaeology
Gómez-Moreno's work revolutionized the understanding of pre-Roman Spain. His decipherment of the Iberian script opened up new avenues for research, shedding light on the region's ancient languages and cultures. His contributions to archaeology, epigraphy, and art history continue to inspire scholars to this day.
