Paul Bernard (archaeologist)

Paul Bernard (1929-2015) was a French archaeologist specializing in Central Asia, particularly the Hellenistic period. He is best known for his extensive excavations at the Greco-Bactrian city of Ai Khanoum in northern Afghanistan.

Bernard was a Directeur de recherche at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France. His work at Ai Khanoum, which began in 1964 and continued until the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, revealed a unique fusion of Greek and Oriental cultures. The site yielded significant discoveries, including a theater, gymnasium, temples, a palace, and a vast library, providing invaluable insights into the Hellenistic presence in Central Asia following Alexander the Great's conquests.

Beyond Ai Khanoum, Bernard also conducted research on other sites in Central Asia, contributing significantly to the understanding of the history and culture of the region. His publications are considered essential reading for scholars of Hellenistic Central Asia and the history of Afghanistan. His efforts to document and preserve the archaeological heritage of Afghanistan were particularly important, especially given the political instability and conflict that have plagued the region. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to archaeology.