Raphael Pumpelly (1837–1923): Pioneering archaeological geologist in central Asia

The early twentieth century was a time of rapid expansion of field work in archaeological geology. During this time the connections between geology [especially stratigraphy (Gamio 1913) and geomorphology (Davis 1904)] and archaeology became apparent. Among those involved who made major archaeological contributions during this period was American geologist Raphael Pumpelly. His excavation at Anau in Turkmenistan was an exemplary example of a geologist with no training a experience in archaeology undertaking a successful and pioneering excavation in Central Asia. A similar situation occurred in China where Swedish geologist, Johan Gunnar Andersson, discovered and defined the Chinese Neolithic.