Date of Award
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Department
History
First Reader
Dr. Trey Berry
Second Reader
Dr. Byron Eubanks
Third Reader
Dr. Randall Wight
Abstract
The early twentieth century bred a generation of amateur archaeologists with time on their hands and money in their pockets. Although amateurs, they made great advances in the science of archaeology. Among these archaeologists were men such as Heinrich Schliemann, who discovered the city of Troy; Howard Carter, the discoverer of the riches of King Tut's tomb; Mathew Stirling, the man who discovered the Olmec culture; Sir Arthur Evans, who discovered the Mycenae; and Hiram Bingham, who found the lost city of Machu Picchu. Most of these men were middle to upper class and thus had the money and free time to wander the globe pursuing their passion.
During this same time, an American counterpart to these international archaeologists emerged. Unlike the others, Clarence Bloomfield Moore chose to conduct his research in the southeastern United States and thus became one of the most important characters in the history of American archaeology. His societal and financial background put him on the same plane with these others and gave him the means to pursue his passion. However, while Moore's contributions to the science of archaeology are obvious, his methods are quite controversial. Was Moore indeed the conscientious scientist for which archaeologists today give him credit, or little more than a glorified pot hunter and grave robber?
Recommended Citation
Washam, Sarah, "Archaeological Pioneer or Pot Hunter: The Life and Work of Clarence Bloomfield Moore" (2001). Honors Theses. 154.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/154
Included in
History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, United States History Commons