An introductory lecture on archæology : Delivered before the University of Cambridge

This introductory lecture offers a clear, concise overview of archaeology, beginning with a definition of the discipline and a survey of the various types of monuments that scholars examine. Listeners will travel through a panoramic sketch of ancient remains—from the earliest human traces to the great cultures of Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome, and the medieval European world—while the speaker highlights the essential skills and scholarly habits an archaeologist must cultivate. The talk also explores how archaeological study enriches our understanding of literature, art, and natural history, emphasizing its intrinsic rewards and its role in shaping modern perspectives.

Delivered by a distinguished professor of the Disney Chair, the lecture balances scholarly depth with accessible explanations, making it ideal for newcomers eager to grasp the scope of the field. By the end, listeners will appreciate why the careful collection of facts, rigorous reasoning, and a love of ancient art are at the heart of archaeological inquiry, setting the stage for deeper study in later courses.