author
Ralph Van Deman Magoffin
1874–1942
An American classical scholar and archaeologist, he wrote about the ancient world with the curiosity of a field researcher and the clarity of a teacher. His work ranged from Roman topography to broader books that helped general readers see why archaeology matters.
1 Audiobook
A Study of the Topography and Municipal History of Praeneste
by Ralph Van Deman Magoffin
About the author
Born in 1874 and active in the early decades of the 20th century, Ralph Van Deman Magoffin was an American classical scholar and archaeologist. He studied at the University of Michigan and earned his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University, then went on to teach ancient history and archaeology there.
A fellowship at the American Academy in Rome in 1907 shaped much of his scholarly work, including research on the ancient Italian city of Praeneste. He was later affiliated again with the Academy, served as chair of the Department of Classics at New York University from 1923 to 1930, and led the Archaeological Institute of America for about a decade.
Magoffin also wrote for readers beyond the classroom. Alongside specialized studies, he published books such as The Lure and Lore of Archaeology, bringing the excitement of excavation, ancient cities, and historical discovery to a wider audience. He died in 1942.