James Henry Breasted

Place: Rockford

Born: 1865

Death: 1935

Biography:

Early Life and Education

, an American archaeologist, Egyptologist, and historian, was born on August 27, 1865, in Rockford, Illinois. His academic journey began at North Central College, followed by the University of Berlin, where he earned his PhD in 1894, becoming the first American to obtain a doctorate in Egyptology.

Academic Career and Notable Contributions

Breasted's career was marked by several notable milestones:

• He joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, where he became director of the Haskell Oriental Museum in 1901.
• In 1905, Breasted was promoted to full professor and held the first chair in Egyptology and Oriental History in the United States.
• He founded the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago in 1919, a center for interdisciplinary study of ancient civilizations.

Research Focus and Publications

Breasted's work focused on recording and interpreting ancient writings. His notable publications include:

• Ancient Records of Egypt, published in 1906, which compiled extant hieroglyphic inscriptions.
• History of Egypt from the Earliest Times Down to the Persian Conquest, published in 1905, showcasing his expertise in Egyptology.

Legacy and Remembrance

Breasted's contributions to Egyptology have had a profound impact on the field. His legacy is remembered through various institutions, including The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, which continues to be a leading center for ancient studies. Key Achievements:

• First American to obtain a PhD in Egyptology.
• Established the first chair in Egyptology and Oriental History in the United States.
• Founded the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago.

• James Henry Breasted's Profile on Wikioo.org
• James Henry Breasted's Biography on Wikipedia