author
Percy E. (Percy Edward) Newberry
1869–1949
An early Egyptologist with an artist’s eye and a botanist’s curiosity, this British scholar helped shape modern understanding of ancient Egyptian tombs, inscriptions, and scarabs. His work at sites such as Beni Hasan and El Bersha made him an important figure in the first generation of systematic Egyptology.
1 Audiobook
Scarabs : An introduction to the study of Egyptian seals and signet rings
by Percy E. (Percy Edward) Newberry
About the author
Born in London on April 23, 1869, Percy Edward Newberry developed strong interests in both botany and drawing before turning toward Egyptology. He studied at King's College School and King's College, London, and became involved with the Egypt Exploration Fund in its early years.
Newberry is especially remembered for his work recording and excavating important Middle Kingdom cemeteries, including Beni Hasan and El Bersha. He published widely on Egyptian archaeology and also wrote on scarabs and ancient Egyptian history, building a reputation as a careful observer with a broad range of interests.
Later in his career, he held the chair of Ancient Egyptian History and Archaeology at the University of Egypt in Cairo from 1929 to 1933. He died on August 7, 1949, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continued to influence Egyptology long after his lifetime.