Julius Euting

Julius Euting (1839-1913) was one of the foremost Semitic epigraphists of his generation. A colorful character with an adventurous streak, he set out from Damascus in 1883 with the French-Alsatian explorer, Charles Huber, on a dangerous expedition into the deserts of northern Arabia in quest of ancient inscriptions and graffiti. Along the way, Euting kept a meticulous record of his many discoveries in notebooks and sketchbooks, in which he put his artistic talent to prolific use. This graphic and personal record, never before published in English, includes the story of how the famous Tayma Stele was discovered and how the first thorough record of the Nabataean inscriptions at Madā'in Sālih was made. It is a travel account that entitles Euting to a prominent place among 19th-century explorers of Arabia.

Julius Euting, an epigraphist, artist, avid hiker, nature-lover, and intrepid explorer, lived a life of wonder, discovery and extraordinary academic achievement, making groundbreaking contributions to Punic, Hebrew and Aramaic studies. In 1883, a perilous exhibition with French-Alsatian geographer Charles Huber aimed to collect ancient texts and investigate archaeological sites in remote northern Arabia. However, the once-promising collaboration turned sour, poisoned by Franco-German rivalry and Huber's financial dependence on Euting, leading to a split. Euting found himself risking his life on the Red Sea, whilst Huber tragically met his end in Juiddah in July 1884. Euting's notebooks, filled with vivid observations, entertaining anecdotes, and personal reactions serve as a diary of his tumultuous journeys. Amidst the pages are meticulous records of Aramaic, Nabateaen and Ancient North Arabian inscriptions, accompanied by watercolours and sketches. In this latest publication, William Facey's introduction weaves the tale of Euting's life and his complex relationship with Huber, showcasing their 1883-84 journey and 19th-century exploration. The book concludes by evaluating the discovery of the Tayma Stele, crediting Euting for this archaeological triumph and challenging prevailing notions of its original discovery.Volume I contains 300 pages. Volume II contains 384 pages.