A. H. (Archibald Henry) Sayce

Born in England in 1846, Archibald Henry Sayce studied at Queen’s College, Oxford, and later became a fellow there. He built a reputation as a leading Orientalist, with work that ranged across Assyriology, comparative philology, and the ancient history of Egypt and western Asia.

Sayce wrote widely for both specialists and general readers, especially on cuneiform inscriptions, ancient civilizations, and the historical background of the Bible. His career helped introduce many readers to the fast-growing discoveries of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century archaeology.

Remembered for his energy, range, and gift for explanation, he was one of the best-known interpreters of the ancient Near East in his time. He died in 1933, leaving behind a large body of scholarly and popular writing.