Charles F. Texier Paintings

Charles Félix Marie Texier, born in 1802 in Versailles, France, was a distinguished French architect, archaeologist, and traveler, best known for his exploratory expeditions in Asia Minor, the Ottoman Empire, and particularly Anatolia, which contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient civilizations in that region.

Texier studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was trained as an architect. His career, however, took a decisive turn towards archaeology and exploration when he was sent on a scientific mission to Asia Minor by the French government in 1833. This mission was intended to seek out and document ancient ruins and artifacts.

During his travels, Texier extensively explored various regions, often coming across ruins that had been neglected or forgotten. He was one of the first to provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of the ruins of Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. His work included the exploration of the cities of Sardis, Thyatira, and Philadelphia, all of which held historical and biblical significance. He published his findings in a series of works, including 'Description de l'Asie Mineure' (Description of Asia Minor), which were instrumental in advancing the field of archaeology.

Texier's efforts laid the groundwork for future archaeological undertakings in the region. He was also responsible for discovering the ruins of the Hittite capital, which was a groundbreaking achievement at the time. His work was not limited to the Hittite civilization; he also studied Byzantine, Roman, and other ancient cultures that had left their mark on the landscape of Asia Minor.

His contributions to archaeology and architecture were recognized through his election as a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres in Paris. Texier's legacy is that of a pioneering figure in the field of archaeology and the study of ancient civilizations, having brought to light a wealth of knowledge about the cultures and architectures of the past.

Charles F. Texier continued his scholarly work until his death in 1871. His extensive research and published works remain valuable resources for historians and archaeologists studying the ancient Near East and Anatolian civilizations.