Robert Macalister Irish archaeologist. Country: Ireland

Biography of Robert Macalister

Robert Alexander Stewart Macalister was an Irish archaeologist born in Dublin. He received his education at Cambridge University, where he developed a keen interest in archaeology. Initially focused on the archaeology of Ireland, Macalister soon became fascinated with biblical archaeology.

In collaboration with Frederick J. Bliss, Macalister excavated several settlements in the Shephelah region of Palestine from 1898 to 1900. They used the stratigraphic method proposed by Flinders Petrie to refine the chronology of the region through ceramic typology.

After Bliss retired in 1901, Macalister took charge of the expeditions conducted by the Palestine Exploration Fund. From 1902 to 1909, Macalister was responsible for archaeological research in Gezer, a region slightly west of Jerusalem in modern-day Israel. These excavations were among the first large-scale investigations in the area.

One of Macalister's significant discoveries in Gezer was the Gezer Calendar in 1908, which represents one of the oldest examples of Paleo-Hebrew writing dating back to the 10th century BCE. However, Macalister's overall research in Palestine is considered unsuccessful, primarily due to the low level of excavation and poorly compiled reports.

Macalister faced significant challenges in securing funding as he was the only professional archaeologist involved in these projects. In 1909, he left Palestine and returned to Ireland, where he assumed the position of Professor of Celtic Archaeology at Dublin University. He taught at the university until his retirement in 1943.

During his tenure, Macalister also worked on ancient Irish sites such as the Hill of Tara and compiled a catalog of Ogham inscriptions from the British Isles. His translations of Irish myths and legends remain popular to this day.

Macalister was a member of the Royal Irish Academy (1910) and served as the President of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland from 1924 to 1928.