Description: (British Archaeologist, Diplomat and Former Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs )
Austen Henry Layard was a renowned English Assyriologist, traveler, cuneiformist, art historian, draughtsman, collector, politician, and diplomat. He became well-known for his excavations at Nimrud and Nineveh, uncovering important Assyrian artifacts that are now part of the British Museum's collection. Layard capitalized on his excavations by publishing successful accounts of his work, leading to financial success. In his political career, he served as a Member of Parliament and held various junior ministerial positions before becoming an ambassador to Madrid and Constantinople, where he curated a remarkable art collection.