The Formative Century, 1860–1960

Abstract

This article examines the formative years of archaeology during the period from 1860 to 1960. It discusses changes in the definition of archaeology and its achievement of professional and institutional status during this period. It highlights the founding of the British Archaeological Association (BAA) 1843 by Charles Roach Smith and Thomas Wright and the use of the term archaeology instead of antiquarianism to refer to the study of the ancient past through its material remains.