Definition
1938 in archaeology refers to a chronological summary of archaeological activities, discoveries, excavations, publications, institutional developments, and notable personal events (births, deaths) that occurred in the field of archaeology during the calendar year 1938.
Overview
Entries titled “Year in archaeology” are commonly used in encyclopedic and scholarly contexts to provide concise overviews of a single year's contributions to the discipline. The 1938 overview typically catalogs:
- Major archaeological excavations initiated, continued, or concluded during the year.
- Significant artifacts or sites uncovered or reported in 1938.
- Influential publications, monographs, and journal articles released in that year.
- Institutional milestones, such as the founding of societies, museum acquisitions, or changes in funding policies.
- Notable births and deaths of archaeologists and related scholars.
The year 1938 fell within a period of increasing geopolitical tension preceding World II, which impacted the planning and execution of fieldwork, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. Consequently, many archaeological projects faced logistical constraints, reduced funding, or were postponed.
Etymology/Origin
The phrase combines the Gregorian calendar year “1938” with the prepositional construction “in archaeology,” a convention originating in historiographical literature to denote annual surveys of a specific academic discipline. This naming pattern mirrors similar constructs such as “1937 in archaeology” or “1938 in art.”
Characteristics
| Feature | Typical Content |
|---|---|
| Excavations | Lists of field projects (e.g., continuations of long‑term digs at sites like Tell el‑Amarna, Çatalhöyük, or the British School at Athens) with brief notes on progress or findings. |
| Discoveries | Descriptions of noteworthy artifacts (e.g., inscriptions, pottery types) first reported in 1938, often accompanied by the responsible archaeologists or institutions. |
| Publications | References to scholarly works published in 1938, such as excavation reports, theoretical essays, or methodological treatises, including author names and journal titles. |
| Institutional Events | Information on the establishment of archaeological societies, museum openings, or policy changes affecting archaeological practice. |
| Personal Milestones | Births of future prominent archaeologists and deaths of established figures, with brief biographical notes. |
| Contextual Factors | Commentary on how contemporary events (e.g., political unrest, economic conditions) influenced archaeological activities in various regions. |
Related Topics
- 1937 in archaeology – Preceding annual overview.
- 1939 in archaeology – Subsequent annual overview, marking the onset of World War II disruptions.
- History of archaeology – Broader chronological study of the development of archaeological practice.
- Timeline of archaeology – Comprehensive chronological framework covering major milestones across centuries.
- Archaeological methodology – Theoretical and practical approaches relevant to work conducted during the late 1930s.
Note: Detailed, site‑specific information for the year 1938 may be limited in publicly available sources, and some entries rely on archival records or specialized publications. Accurate information is not confirmed for particular excavations or discoveries without citation from primary archaeological literature.