The Extraordinary Life of Henry Layard: The Adventurer Who Discovered the Lost

Henry Layard was a 19th-century adventurer, diplomat, and archaeologist who discovered the lost city of Nineveh. His life was filled with excitement and adventure, and his discoveries changed our understanding of the ancient world.

Winged Bull: The Extraordinary Life of Henry Layard, the Adventurer Who Discovered the Lost City of Nineveh

by Jeff Pearce

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5006 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	250 pages

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Early Life and Education

Henry Layard was born in Paris, France, in 1817. His father was a wealthy English doctor, and his mother was a French countess. Layard spent his early years in Italy and Switzerland, where he received a classical education. He developed a passion for travel and adventure at a young age, and he longed to explore the world.

In 1839, Layard joined the British Army and was posted to India. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he soon became a captain. However, Layard's heart was not in the military, and he longed to return to his travels. In 1845, he resigned from the army and set out for the Middle East.

Discoveries in Nineveh

Layard arrived in Nineveh in 1845. The city had been lost to the world for centuries, and its ruins were covered in sand and debris. Layard began excavating the site, and he soon made a series of remarkable discoveries.

Layard discovered the remains of a vast palace, filled with magnificent sculptures and inscriptions. He also found evidence of a great library, which contained thousands of clay tablets. These tablets told the story of the ancient Assyrian Empire, and they shed new light on the history of the ancient world.

Layard's discoveries at Nineveh were a major breakthrough in archaeology. They helped to change our understanding of the ancient world, and they inspired a new generation of archaeologists.

Later Life

After his discoveries at Nineveh, Layard continued to travel and explore. He also served as a diplomat for the British government. He was appointed British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and he played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1856.

Layard died in London in 1894. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, alongside other great British figures such as William Shakespeare and Isaac Newton.

Legacy

Henry Layard was one of the most important archaeologists of the 19th century. His discoveries at Nineveh changed our understanding of the ancient world, and they inspired a new generation of archaeologists.

Layard's legacy lives on today. His work continues to be studied by archaeologists, and his discoveries continue to inspire awe and wonder.

Further Reading

• Henry Layard at the British Museum
• Henry Layard and the Discovery of Assyria
• The Autobiography of Henry Layard

Winged Bull: The Extraordinary Life of Henry Layard, the Adventurer Who Discovered the Lost City of Nineveh

by Jeff Pearce

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5006 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages

FREE