Old Routes of Western Īrān

Abstract

UNTIL less than twenty years ago, excavation in Persia for archæological research was restricted by treaty for the French Government, and it is accordingly to the French Mission that we are chiefly indebted for our knowledge. The activities of that Mission have been confined to western Persia; even when restrictions were removed and American expeditions undertook work, it was on sites in western or central Persia that interest centred. The consequence has been that, especially during the last ten years, a formidable corpus of material has accumulated and a large literature has served to place research at the service of field workers. In archæology, as in other scientific work, aims and methods are likely to vary in accordance with the stage of knowledge reached. In western Persia there is now no need for pioneer work, and no excuse for pioneer methods in digging or publication.

Old Routes of Western Īrān

Narrative of an Archæological Journey carried out and recorded by Sir Aurel Stein. Antiquities examined, described and illustrated with the assistance of Fred H. Andrews. Pp. xxviii + 432 + 97 plates. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1940.) 42s. net.