Crete, the newly independent island, was looking for its own identity (apart from Mainland Greece) and it was found in the remarkable ancient ruins that sir Arthur Evans began to excavate in 1900. 3Īccompanying nationalism was nationbuilding. This nationalism played a role in archaeology as well. Scholarship was a source of national pride and no one wanted to fall behind in scientific discoveries. 2Īs Europe stood at the brink of the First World War, nationalism abounded everywhere. A civil war broke out in 1896 and lasted until 1898, when the island became an independent nation (until 1913). When Sir Arthur Evans acquired the rights to dig at Knossos in 1894 the inhabitants of the island of Crete were engaged in a long struggle for power with their rulers, the Ottoman Empire. Maybe even more important than his economic freedom were the political and social circumstances surroundig the excavations. And when his father died he could use his inheritance to finance the digs and (re)constructions. He was not entirely dependent on funds from the public because he could ask his wealthy father for financial aid. So, why should they not play a role in the archaeologist's mind and his views on the site he/ she is excavating?Īs an archaeologist sir Arthur Evans enjoyed a certain amount of freedom that many of his colleagues did not.
These personal circumstances play a role in every aspect of a person's life. There are many things that influence a person's view of the world, his/her expectations, beliefs and wishes, but also their position in life.
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