184 - Benndorf Otto: Vorlaufiger berucht uber Zwei Oesterreichische Archaeologische Expeditionen nach Kleinasien. Wien, 1883

Benndorf Otto: Vorlaufiger berucht uber Zwei Oesterreichische Archaeologische Expeditionen nach Kleinasien. Wien, 1883 First edition, in 4to 25x16cm, publishers original hard covers with very little wear, cloth of cover of spine rubbed, text clean and bright, ex small stamp of Copenhagen University withdrawn at title, no other mark, complete: 101p.and 5 lithographed plates (some folded), numbered IV-VIII, as called for, plates VII and VIII in one sheet, plates I-III never published, additionally manuscript loose sheet with text in German regarding this account and dated 1889, overall in very good condition. The travel account of the first scientific exploration in Karia and Lycia undertaken by Benndorf (1838-1907), the best Austrian classical archaeologist of the time. This legendary travel account was the result of an official Austrian State mission to Asia Minor during two years. The Austrian - Hungarian Empire, an important and big state of that time, could not be absent from the archaeological onslaught of the European powers in Anatolia during the last part of the 19th century. They had received permission to explore the still then unexplored areas of southern west Asia Minor, very few visited since Fellows visit, 40 years before. A superb account, as Benndorf mission discovered the ruins of many ancient Greek cities of Karia and Lycia and one of the very few worldwide ancient bridges completely intact, at Limyra. The travel itinerary, kept on a daily detailed basis and published here was of the utmost value for the adequate mapping of the area. Indeed Benndorf achieved later, in 1888, to publish separately a new map of Karia and Lycia based on his discoveries from these expeditions. The discovery of the ancient Greek provinces of southern Asia Minor was a major step in the understanding of the Greek presence in Anatolia during thousands of years. Rare. Not in Atabey, Blackmer or any other known major collection.