Sir Mortimer Wheeler, born in Glasgow, was most influential in Indian archeology. During his life he helped to increase the public’s awareness of archeology and anthropology in general by appearing on many different television shows. He was successful in arranging excavations in India and Gujarat. He was honored repeatedly for his achievements by important titles. He was Director of the National Museum of Wales (1920), Keeper of the Archeological Department of the National Museum in Wales (1926-44), Lecturer in Archeology at the University College of Cardiff, Director General of Archeology in India (1944-47), Archaeological Advisor to the Pakistani National Museum, and Professor of Roman Archeology at the University of London (1948-55).
Wheeler carried out important excavations in Britain at Verulamium and Maiden Castle and was knighted in 1952. He was known for giving spirited accounts on television and in his books on archeology. He lead the search for Indian pottery and was the first to seek public attention for support and participation. Mortimer Wheeler will forever be known as a leader in his time.
Written works include Archaeology from the Earth (1954), Early India and Pakistan (1959), Civilizations of the Indus Valley and Beyond (1966), Still Digging (1955), and Alms for Oblivion: An Antiquarian's Scrapbook (1966).
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Watch a video about Maiden Castle, which was excavated
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American Anthropologist Vol 79 [4,1977] written by H.D. Sankalia; Deccan College, Poona
Wheeler, Sir Mortimer. The Indus Civilization. Cambridge. 1962
Sir (Robert Eric) Mortimer Wheeler. Http://ukdb.web.aol.com/hutchinson/encyclopedia/15/m00009115.htm
Sir [Robert Eric] Mortimer Wheeler (1980-1976) http://www.archaeometallurgy.com/personal/hobbies/wheeler.html
Written by Nikki Akins and Dan Shoenberg
Edited by Marcy L. Voelker, 2007