| Mortimer Wheeler |
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Brigadier Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler Kt , CH , CIE , MC ( 10 September , 1890 – 22 July , 1976 ), was one of the best-known British Archaeologist s of the Twentieth Century . He was born in Glasgow in 1890 , and educated at London University . In 1920 , he became director of the National Museum Of Wales , Cardiff , and was later keeper of the London Museum from 1926 to 1944 . During his career he carried out many major excavations within Britain , including that of Verulamium St Albans and Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications . The excavation methods he used, for example, the grid system, represented significant advances in archaeological method, but are now not generally appropriate on modern scientific excavations. In 1944, he became director-general of archaeology in India , exploring in detail the remains of the Indus Valley Civilisation . On his return in 1948 , he was made a professor at the newly-established (by himself and his wife) Institute Of Archaeology , and became known through his books and appearances on Television and Radio , helping to bring Archaeology to a mass audience. He was Knighted in 1952 for his services to archaeology, and died in 1976 . Several people who worked on digs with him recalled that he was often called Randy Sir Morty, originating from his habit of 'chatting up' ladies participating on his digs. |
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