James Stewart (archaeologist) facts for kids

James R. B. Stewart (born July 3, 1913 – died February 6, 1962) was an important Australian archaeologist. He was known for his work studying ancient Cyprus and parts of ancient southwest Asia. He taught at the University of Sydney.

Early Life and Discoveries

James Stewart was born in Sydney, Australia. His family had a long history in Bathurst, New South Wales. He spent much of his childhood in Europe. At age 17, he went to The Leys School in Cambridge in 1930. The next year, he attended University of Cambridge.

In 1932, he traveled to places like Baghdad, Damascus, and Baalbeck. He explored many ancient cities. In 1935, he married Eleanor Neal in England. They traveled to Australia for a visit. James won a special fellowship. This allowed them to travel to the Near East, including a short stay in Cyprus. They arrived in Istanbul in 1936. There, they spent time digging and collecting ancient items.

War Service

In May 1940, James volunteered to join the British army. He asked to be sent to Cyprus. Before leaving England for Australia, he left money to publish his work. He also gave his large personal library to the Cyprus Museum.

He started his army duty in Haifa in January 1941. However, he was captured later that year. He spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war in Germany. After American troops freed him, he returned to England in April 1945.

A New Chapter in Australia

In 1947, Stewart planned a short visit to Australia. He stopped in Cyprus on the way. There, he met Dorothy Evelyn (Eve) Dray. Eve was born in August 1914 and grew up in Cairo. She also loved Cyprus and ancient history. She had visited Cyprus many times.

Stewart arranged for Eve to come to Australia. She joined him as his "technical assistant."

Teaching and Archaeology in Australia

James Stewart got a job at the University of Sydney. He lectured in the History department. He also worked at the Nicholson Museum. He was the first person to teach archaeology at an Australian university.

He worked hard to create a Department of Archaeology. This department was finally started in 1948. James and Eleanor divorced. He then married Eve in 1951. They moved to Mount Pleasant in Bathurst. There, he had his own laboratory and library.

In 1960, Stewart became a Professor of Near Eastern Studies. Sadly, he passed away just 18 months later, on February 6, 1962. After his death, Eve worked for nearly 50 years. She helped finish her husband's important archaeological work.

A large collection of his Cyprus findings was given to the Nicholson Museum in Sydney. The British Museum also received artifacts. These came from two tomb groups he excavated. He found them at Bellapais-Vounous between 1937 and 1938.

James Stewart also collected many ancient coins. These coins were from Rome, Byzantium, Cyprus, and the Crusades.