Marija Gimbutas American archaeologist and cultural scientist of Lithuanian descent Date of Birth: 23.01.1921 Country: Lithuania

1. Personal Life and Academic Background
2. Archaeological Innovations
3. The Kurgan Hypothesis
4. Controversial Later Work
5. Reception and Legacy
6. Commemoration

Personal Life and Academic Background

Born in Lithuania to prominent parents, Marija Gimbutas developed a passion for archaeology and indo-europeanism from an early age. She pursued her education at Vytautas Magnus University and the University of Vilnius. In 1944, she fled to Germany with her husband, where she completed her studies at the University of Tübingen.

Archaeological Innovations

Moving to the United States in 1949, Gimbutas became an influential figure in the field of archaeology. Her novel approach combined archaeological research with linguistic analysis, leading to significant contributions to the understanding of ancient Indo-European peoples, particularly the Slavs.

The Kurgan Hypothesis

In 1956, Gimbutas's revolutionary "Kurgan Hypothesis" transformed the study of Indo-European origins. She proposed that the степных regions of Southern Russia (Yamnaya culture) were the birthplace of Indo-European languages and culture.

Controversial Later Work

While her early work remains widely respected, Gimbutas's later writings sparked controversy. In her trilogy "The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe" (1974), "The Language of the Goddess" (1989), and "The Civilization of the Goddess" (1991), she presented a utopian vision of a pre-Indo-European, matriarchal society in Old Europe.

Reception and Legacy

Gimbutas's interpretations of archaeological evidence and prehistoric societies found support among feminist and neo-pagan movements. However, the academic community generally rejected her later claims, particularly her belief that the Tărtăria tablets represented the oldest known writing system.

Commemoration

To honor her legacy, memorial plaques have been installed in Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania, where Gimbutas once lived and studied. Her body was laid to rest in the Petrašiūnai Cemetery in Kaunas in 1994.