Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Maspero, Gaston Camille Charles

MASPERO, GASTON CAMILLE CHARLES (mäs-pe-rō′) a French Egyptologist; born of Italian parents, in Paris, France, June 23, 1846. He began to lecture on Egyptology at the School of Higher Studies in Paris in 1869, and in 1873 was appointed Professor of Egyptology at the College of France. In 1881 he founded a school of Egyptian archæology at Cairo, and succeeded Mariette as director of explorations and custodian of the Boulak Museum. In 1886 he became professor at the Institute of Paris. As an explorer he excavated or opened the pyramids of the kings belonging to the 5th and 6th dynasties and other important sites. His most valuable written work includes the excellent “Ancient History of the Nations of the Orient”; “Egyptian Archæology” (1887; Eng. trans. 1887); “Popular Tales of Ancient Egypt” (1882); “Egyptian Studies” (1879-1882); “New Light in Ancient Egypt” (1909); “Egyptian Art” (1912). He died in 1916.