Hilda Petrie

Petrie and Urlin in 1897

Hilda Petrie (née Urlin; 14 June 1871 – 1956) was a pioneering British Egyptologist and the wife of Flinders Petrie, a prominent Egyptologist in his own right. Her contributions to the field of Egyptology were significant, particularly in the areas of excavation, documentation, and the preservation of Egyptian antiquities. Hilda Petrie played a crucial role in the development of systematic archaeological methods and the study of Egyptian prehistory.

Early Life and Education

Hilda Petrie was born Hilda Mary Isabel Urlin in London, England, on 14 June 1871. She was educated at home, as was common for girls of her social standing during that time. Hilda showed an early interest in Egyptology, which was a relatively new field in the late 19th century.

Marriage and Partnership with Flinders Petrie

In 1896, Hilda married William Matthew Flinders Petrie, known as Flinders Petrie, who had already established himself as a leading figure in Egyptology. Hilda became an integral part of her husband's work, accompanying him on numerous excavations in Egypt and Palestine. She was involved in all aspects of the excavation process, from managing the dig sites to recording and preserving finds.

Contributions to Egyptology

Hilda Petrie's contributions to Egyptology were manifold. She was instrumental in the development of a systematic approach to archaeological excavation, which included detailed record-keeping and the use of photography to document finds. Hilda also played a key role in the preservation of artifacts, ensuring that they were carefully cataloged and stored.

One of her notable contributions was her work on the Pyramid of Hawara, where she and her husband discovered the famous "Faiyum Portraits" – a collection of mummy portraits that have provided invaluable insights into Greco-Roman period Egypt.

Later Life

After her husband's death in 1942, Hilda Petrie continued to be active in the field of Egyptology. She worked tirelessly to secure the future of her husband's extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, eventually ensuring its transfer to the University College London.

Hilda Petrie died in 1956, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to influence the field of Egyptology.

Legacy

Hilda Petrie's work helped lay the foundations for modern archaeological methods. Her efforts in documentation and preservation have made a lasting impact on the study of ancient Egypt. Today, she is remembered not only as the partner of Flinders Petrie but also as a significant Egyptologist in her own right.