Rachel Mairs , Maya Muratov
Archaeologists, Tourists, Interpreters: Exploring Egypt and the Near East in the Late 19th-Early 20th Centuries...
- ISBN 13:
- 9781472588807
- author:
- Rachel Mairs , Maya Muratov
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Bloomsbury Academic
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2015
- Pages:
- 160
- Dimensions:
- 15.8 x 0.9 x 23.5 cm
- Genre:
- History, Archaeology, By Period
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 5 working days
Description
Archaeologists, Tourists, Interpreters: Exploring Egypt and the Near East in the Late 19th-Early 20th Centuries In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a growing number of European and American visitors flocked to the Near East and Egypt, drawn by the region's rich history and cultural mysteries. These visitors, often driven by academic curiosity, had to navigate the complexities of local politics and bureaucracy to conduct their archaeological excavations. To facilitate communication, they relied heavily on interpreters, who played a multifaceted role in mediating between the visitors and the local authorities. These interpreters, often bi- or multi-lingual, took on a range of responsibilities, from interpreting documents to acting as go-betweens, servants, and even bodyguards. Despite their crucial contributions to the discovery and introduction of ancient cultures, interpreters were often overlooked and underappreciated. This book sheds new light on their experiences, revealing the complex and often improvisational nature of their work. Through the stories of these interpreters, a fascinating narrative emerges, highlighting their significant role in bridging the gap between East and West, and introducing the mysteries of the ancient world to a wider audience.