The Story

This book is Jane Dieulafoy's firsthand account of her three-year archaeological mission to Persia (modern-day Iran) with her husband, Marcel. From 1884 to 1886, they worked to excavate the ruins of Susa, a capital of the ancient Persian Empire. The journal follows their journey—the difficult travel, the challenges of setting up a dig in a remote area, and the thrilling discoveries of massive stone sculptures, intricate glazed bricks, and the foundations of palaces. But it's also the story of daily life: dealing with local workers, encountering regional leaders, and simply surviving in a harsh, unfamiliar environment.

Why You Should Read It

Jane's voice is what makes this special. She writes with the eye of a scientist and the curiosity of a traveler. You feel the dust, the frustration of a collapsed trench, and the triumph of unearthing a magnificent artifact. What I love most is her perspective as an outsider. She doesn't just record finds; she comments on the people, the politics, and the social customs around her, often with a dry, witty honesty. She was a woman doing a "man's job" in an era that rarely allowed it, and her journal is a quiet but powerful record of that defiance. It makes ancient history feel immediate and personal.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love real-life adventure stories, armchair travel, or forgotten slices of history. If you enjoyed the travelogues of Freya Stark or the sense of discovery in books like The Lost City of Z, but prefer a primary source, you'll be captivated. It's not a fast-paced novel; it's a thoughtful, absorbing window into a world of dust, discovery, and one remarkably determined woman. A must-read for anyone interested in the early days of archaeology or extraordinary 19th-century women.