Definition: Archaeology was merely a side-line for the French historian and philosopher Ernest Renan, but his primary interest in the origins of Christianity drove him to the archaeological sites of the middle east in the mid-19th century. He was the first person to conduct excavations in Lebanon, at the request of Napoleon III, at sites such as Aradus, Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon. Unfortunately, his purpose was to obtain inscriptions and statuary, which, sad to say was the standard practice of archaeology in the period.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
