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Below are notable events in archaeology that occurred in 1859.

Excavations

  • February – Excavation of Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter) under Thomas Wright begins.
  • Excavation of Nydam Mose in Denmark under Conrad Engelhardt begins (continues to early 1864).
  • Excavation of Camirus on Rhodes under Alfred Biliotti begins (continues to 1864).

Finds

  • Great Eleusinian Relief in Eleusis, Greece.
  • Vigna Randanini Jewish catacombs in Rome.

Publications

  • J. M. García publishes an account of Monte Albán.
  • Charles Roach Smith — Illustrations of Roman London.

Miscellaneous

  • 26 May & 2 June – Geologist Joseph Prestwich and amateur archaeologist John Evans report (to the Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries of London, respectively) the results of their investigations of gravel-pits in the Somme valley and elsewhere, extending human history back to what will become known as the Paleolithic Era.
  • Imperial Archaeological Commission founded in Saint Petersburg.
  • Royal Geographical Society is given a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria.

Deaths

  • 6 May: Alexander von Humboldt, explorer, writer

See also

  • Table of years in archaeology
  • 1858 in archaeology
  • 1860 in archaeology

References