Linda Braidwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linda Schreiber Braidwood
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Born | |
Died | January 15, 2003 |
(aged 93)
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | University of Michigan University of Chicago |
Spouse(s) | Robert Braidwood |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Archaeology |
Linda Schreiber Braidwood (born October 9, 1909 – died January 15, 2003) was an American archaeologist and pre-historian. An archaeologist is someone who studies human history by digging up old sites and artifacts. A pre-historian studies the time before written records. Linda Braidwood and her husband, Robert Braidwood, made many important discoveries together. They found some of the earliest known pieces of cloth and very old copper tools. Their work helped us understand how early humans lived.
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A Life of Discovery
Linda Braidwood was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became very interested in ancient history and cultures. She studied at the University of Michigan and later at the University of Chicago. This is where she met her future husband, Robert Braidwood. They shared a passion for exploring the past.
Working Together
Linda and Robert Braidwood worked as a team for many years. They traveled to different parts of the world, especially the Middle East. Their goal was to find out more about how farming and settled villages first began. They believed that understanding these early changes was key to understanding human civilization.
Important Excavations
The Braidwoods led many archaeological digs. These digs were like giant puzzles, where they carefully uncovered clues from thousands of years ago. They worked in countries like Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Their most famous work was at a site called Jarmo in Iraq.
Discoveries at Jarmo
At Jarmo, the Braidwoods found evidence of one of the earliest farming villages. This village was about 9,000 years old! They discovered tools, pottery, and even the remains of ancient buildings. These findings showed how people started to live in one place and grow their own food, instead of always moving around.
Early Technology
Among their exciting finds, Linda and Robert Braidwood uncovered some of the oldest known copper tools. Copper was one of the first metals humans learned to use. They also found the oldest known piece of woven cloth. These discoveries showed how clever early humans were at making things.
Later Life and Legacy
Linda Braidwood continued her work in archaeology throughout her life. She helped write many books and articles about their discoveries. Her work, alongside her husband's, greatly changed how we understand the Stone Age and the beginning of farming. She passed away in 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. Her contributions helped future archaeologists learn more about our ancient past.