Origins & Early Life

Dame Kathleen Mary Kenyon (5 January 1906 – 24 August 1978) was a British archaeologist of Neolithic culture in the Fertile Crescent. She led excavations of Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho, from 1952 to 1958, and has been called one of the most influential archaeologists of the 20th century. She was Principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford, from 1962 to 1973, having undertaken her own studies at Somerville College, Oxford. Kathleen Kenyon was born in London, England, in 1906.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She was the eldest daughter of Sir Frederic Kenyon, biblical scholar and later director of the British Museum. Her grandfather was lawyer and Fellow of All Souls College, John Robert Kenyon, and her great-great-grandfather was the politician and lawyer Lloyd Kenyon, 1st Baron Kenyon. She grew up in Bloomsbury, in a house attached to the British Museum, with her mother, Amy Kenyon, and sister Nora Kenyon. Known for being hard-headed and stubborn, Kathleen grew up as a tomboy, fishing, climbing trees and playing a variety of sports. Determined that she and her sister should be well educated, Kathleen's father encouraged wide reading and independent study.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In later years Kenyon would remark...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Aristotle Onassis — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Greek shipping magnate who amassed a massive fleet and achieved global fame.
• Adolf Dassler — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Ayumi Hamasaki — Contemporary (Born in 1978) (1978): Japanese Pop Icon, 'Empress of Pop,' best-selling solo artist in Japan.
• Balabhaskar — Contemporary (Born in 1978) (1978): Pioneering Indian violinist and composer known for promoting fusion music.
• Alfred Brendel — Shared historical date (01-05 · Born) (1931): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• Amelia Earhart — Shared historical date (01-05 · Died) (1939): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Boyinaband — Shared historical date (08-24 · Born) (1987): English musician, rapper, and songwriter known for electronic and hip hop work.
• Cal Ripken Jr. — Shared historical date (08-24 · Born) (1960): MLB legend, 'the Iron Man', known for his unparalleled consistency and record-setting career.
• 1906 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1906
• January 5 (01-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 5
• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• August 24 (08-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 24