Born: June 26, 1885 (San Francisco, California)
Died: June 25, 1954
Alice Leslie Walker (June 26, 1885 – June 25, 1954) was an American archaeologist and leading expert on the Neolithic Period in Southern Greece. Known for her linguistic talents, she spoke English, French, German, Portuguese, Latin, and Ancient and Modern Greek. Walker made significant contributions to the field of archaeology and played a key role in expanding our understanding of ancient Greek civilization.
Alice Leslie Walker was born on June 26, 1885, in San Francisco, California, to Josephine Kinney and James Greig Walker. She displayed an early passion for classical studies and archaeology. Walker attended Vassar College, where she earned her AB degree with honors in Greek language and Greek Archaeology in 1906. She went on to obtain her MA in 1908, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
In 1909, Walker embarked on an academic journey that would shape her career. She attended the American School of Classical Studies in Athens on a fellowship in archaeology. During her time there, Walker focused on publishing pottery finds from the Byzantine era excavated in Corinth.
In 1911, Alice Leslie Walker, along with Hetty Goldman, became the first two women to lead an archaeological excavation on mainland Greece. They chose to excavate in Halae at Locris, financed entirely by their own means. The site, located in Theologu, yielded significant findings, including skeletons and the remains of homes dating back to 1000 BC. The excavation also unearthed a wealth of terracotta statuary and the foundations of a Byzantine church. The project continued into 1912 but was interrupted due to the outbreak of the Balkans Wars.
During her archaeological career, Walker’s health was challenged. In 1913, she contracted malaria, which resulted in long-term consequences. Walker suffered from a loss of hearing and ongoing effects from the disease for the remainder of her life. Despite these hardships, she remained committed to her work and continued excavating alongside Hetty Goldman.
In 1914 and 1915, Walker and Goldman shifted their focus to Corinth. Walker’s efforts led to the discovery of the largest and most significant deposit of Early Neolithic pottery from Corinth. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I disrupted their archaeological dig.
In 1917, Alice Leslie Walker earned her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. Her dissertation, titled The Pottery of the Necropolis of Locrian Halae, showcased her extensive research and knowledge in the field. Although her dissertation was never published, it laid the foundation for future studies in Greek archaeology.
Walker’s dedication extended beyond her own research. She actively worked to improve the lives of women at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. She advocated for housing for women at the school and became a major donor, supporting its academic programs and initiatives.
Throughout the 1920s, Walker continued her archaeological endeavors and focused on the pottery uncovered at Corinth. She worked tirelessly at the expedition headquarters, meticulously cataloging and studying the artifacts.
Alice Leslie Walker’s archaeological expeditions spanned over three decades, with her last excavation taking place in 1935. Her work significantly contributed to our understanding of ancient Greek civilization, especially during the Neolithic Period.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Walker received numerous awards and accolades. Her expertise and dedication made her a respected figure among archaeologists. Although specific details of her awards are not readily available, Walker’s impact on the field of archaeology is undeniable.
Alice Leslie Walker’s legacy as a pioneering archaeologist and expert on the Neolithic Period in Southern Greece lives on. Her linguistic abilities, dedication to her work, and significant findings have left an indelible mark on the study of ancient civilizations. Walker’s influential role in women’s history highlights the strides made by women in the field of archaeology.