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O.G.S. Crawford

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description O.G.S. Crawford Overview

Osbert Guy Stanhope Crawford (1886–1957) was a British archaeologist who pioneered the use of aerial photography as a method of archaeological survey. Working as Archaeology Officer for the Ordnance Survey from 1920, he systematically photographed cropmarks and earthworks from the air, demonstrating patterns invisible at ground level. In 1927 he founded the journal Antiquity, which he edited until his death, and which became a leading international journal of archaeology.

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What is O.G.S. Crawford famous for in archaeology?

British archaeologist O.G.S. Crawford is widely credited with pioneering the use of aerial photography as an archaeological prospection tool. He realized that shadows cast by crop marks in fields revealed ancient Roman and Neolithic sites invisible from the ground.

Did O.G.S. Crawford find archaeological sites during World War I?

Yes, Crawford served as an observer in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, where he honed his aerial photography and mapping skills. His time observing enemy lines from the air gave him the breakthrough idea to apply the same technology to mapping ancient British landscapes.

What journal did O.G.S. Crawford create?

In 1927, Crawford founded the journal 'Antiquity', which quickly became one of the most influential archaeological publications in the world. The journal is still published today and remains a cornerstone of archaeological research and theory.

How did O.G.S. Crawford change archaeology?

Before Crawford, archaeology was largely limited to digging single sites or studying ancient texts. By using aerial surveys, Crawford shifted the discipline toward landscape archaeology, allowing researchers to understand how entire ancient civilizations were geographically laid out.