1948

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B. C., which led to Classical Greek civilization.

Although the choice of a site to excavate should await a survey of the whole area, Sardis is probably the best site in the area. It was the capital of the Lydian Empire, one of the strongest states of its time. Its kings, such as Croesus, were famed for their wealth and taste. It was the king pin in the struggle between Persia and Egypt, and the Persian capital for the Persian Wars with Greece. It was closely connected with Greece culturally, and seems to have supplied much of the impetus for the awakening of Greece in the Archaic period. Politically it played a major part in the struggles of the eastern empires. Excavations at Sardis should yield historical records of the greatest importance for the history of the entire ancient Near East, as well as objects of great artistic merit and interest.

There are reports that the present Antiquities Law in Turkey is to be amended to allow for a more liberal policy in division of excavated objects. There are also reports that the present law, if not amended, will be interpreted more liberally to permit removal of duplicate material by a foreign excavator, and that Turkey will look with favor upon the excavation of Sardis by an American institution. The political situation in Turkey at the present time appears to be favorable for a U. S. expedition. Arrangements for work in Turkey, with the assured assistance of the Department of State, can be worked out in part during the coming winter, but a preliminary survey of the site and direct personal contact with the Department of Antiquities is necessary prior to beginning large-scale excavations.

Therefore a preliminary survey in the Eastern Mediterranean area in the summer of 1948 is also recommended. Dr. Daniel, who would conduct the survey will then have an opportunity to complete certain sections of the site at Kourion during the same period.