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Robert John Braidwood was an American archaeologist and anthropologist. One of the founders of scientific archaeology. He was a leader in the field of near eastern prehistory. In 1907 Robert was born in Detroit. His father was a Scottish immigrant that ran a pharmacy. When he had time, he could help out. And, to save for an education, he also apprendised carpentry.

Prior to attending collge. By 1929, he was graduated from the university of Michigan, with a degree in architecture. That didn’t last long though. Because of the great depression
Like others, he realised a career in architecture would be short suited. And, that maybe it was better suited to anthropology. A field he completed a masters and bacholars degree in. As well as, ancient history. Part of it, was with senior university of Michigan professors. It included trips to the fertile crescent , and around Baghdad. During those times, it led Robert to the Oriental institute, from the university of Chicago, (now: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures,
West Asia & North Africa (ISAC)). He was able to begin field assisting at sites like in Amouq.

Wife
On his return trip from the middle east, to the US. Robert ran into a lady, whom he had met as an undergrad on the steamboat. She was travelling and doing sales. Her name was Linda. From here on in, they stayed together. Getting married, having chilren and a bunch of other interesting facts. Robert and Linda went on to work together in the United States and abroad. For the next 66 years. Leading archaeological expeditions with fieldwork in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. As well as coauthor numerous publications based on their work that greatly impacted the direction of archaeology as a discipline.

During WW2 he worked for the Army Air Corps. Doing an important job, meteorological mapping
In 1943, he gained his Phd. And, begin working at the department of anthropology, and Oriental institute. Where he was a professor until he retired. He taught old world prehistory, which was cool. Because every three years, he was arranged to excavate prehistoric sites in western Asia.

Did you know? Some say, the character Abner Ravenwood. Mentor and father in law to Indiana Jones. Was based on Robert.

The Oriental Institute (now ISAC) can be traced to 1892
Its founder James Henry Breasted, stressed the significance of the ancient civilizations from the near east and Egypt. He became known for emphasizing their profound contributions to the foundations of western civilization.

Archaeological Career
Robert’s begin his first hands-on experience as a surveyor with the University of Michigan. In 1930, at the Selucia-on-the-Tigris expedition. It was here that instigated a passion for archaeology.

The gap chart for paleolithic hunter gathers; and, earliest discovered agricultural settlements
In 1945, a seminar focused on the beginning of the archaeological record in the near east. Combining his research. Robert introduced what would later become known as the ‘gap chart’. He helped illustrate a major gap, spanning thousands of years. From paleolithic times, to pre-pottery and the neolithic time period. Or, when people moved from hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural communities.

Braidwood was a leading figure in the investigation of the origins of agriculture
He conducted excavations in the Zagros Mountains of Iran, particularly at sites like Jarmo. Where he uncovered evidence of early agricultural communities dating back to around 7000 BC. It was here where Robert enlisted a range of top experts in natural sciences. Including geologist Herbert Wright, paleo ethnobotanist Hans Helbaek, zoologist Charles Reed, and radiocarbon expert Fred Matson. Using his team, they would help him better understand both plants, animals and early agriculture .

He was interested in the relationship between humans and plants, particularly in the context of early agriculture
He studied plant remains to understand the types of crops that were cultivated. At sites like Jarmo, he sought more expertise in identifying the faunal and botanical remains. He postulated that area around the middle eastern highlands could have been ideal for the first farmers. Eventually he begin to refer to the area as the Hilly Flanks. An area now many believe where agriculture could have originated.

In the early 1960s, new associations were being formed and they begun digging in and around Turkey
A joint prehistoric project, with the universities of Istanbul-Chicago, was established in 1963. A main focus of the project was the site of Çayönü , a village hundreds of years older than Jarmo Possessing more advanced architecture, and artifacts. It was noted for its buildings, plant remains, animal bones, obsidian rock, and microfauna. Other notable finds included cold-hammered copper tools. Like small pins and hooks. Food and domesticated flax were also found. And, semi-fossilized cloth that pushed back the date of the introduction of textiles. It was one of the most interesting digs. Not only because of this. But because of the presence of terrazzo (or lime burned stone) floors. Which previously had been thought to be introduced thousands of years later. During roman times. It was amazing.

Robert also published a book, Prehistoric Men
A culmination of much of his archaeological work. He disproved the theory that the agricultural revolution occurred prior to the establishment of civilizations. Because his evidence concluded the two were very intimately correlated.

Robert and his wife became respected around the world
Much of the chronology he started is still accepted as accurate. The systematic, interdisciplinary field work he established is too. And, as well, the belief that he helped inspire the iconic archaeologist character Indiana Jones. He had a notable career as an educator and academic leader. He taught many students. His research has had a lasting impact on the study of human prehistory and the origins of agriculture. And, he Will always influence subsequent generations of archaeologists and anthropologists.

Bibliography:
Braidwood, Robert J. Prehistoric Men. 8th ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman, 1975. Print. (http://www.worldcat.org/title/prehistoric-men/oclc/492885&referer=brief_results )

Braidwood, Robert J. “Robert J. Braidwood.” The Pastmasters: Eleven Modern Pioneers of Archaeology. By Glyn Daniel and Christopher Chippindale. New York, NY: Thames and Hudson, 1989. 89-99. Print. (http://www.worldcat.org/title/pastmasters-eleven-modern-pioneers-of-archaeology/oclc/579499015 )

Harms, William. “Robert Braidwood, 1907-2003.” University of Chicago News Office, 14 Apr. 2003. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. (http://www-news.uchicago.edu/releases/03/030115.braidwood.shtml )

Lesko, Barbara S. “Linda Braidwood 1909-2003.” Breaking Ground: Women in Old World Archaeology. Brown University, 2003. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. (http://www.brown.edu/Research/Breaking_Ground /bios/Braidwood_Linda.pdf )

Mortensen, Peder. “Obituary: Robert J. Braidwood 1907-2003.” Antiquity 77.295 (2003): 213-4. ProQuest. Web. 4 May 2016. (http://search.proquest.com.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/docview/217564559/fulltextPDF /5C7FA08057E2485DPQ/1?accountid=12598 )

Watson, Patty Jo. “Robert John Braidwood.” Biographical Memoirs. Vol. 89. Washington, D.C.: National Academies, 22-43. (http://www.nap.edu/read/12042/chapter/3)