Henry Salt (1780 – 1827) was one of the most important figures in early 19th century travel, archaeology and foreign diplomacy. Celebrated for his expeditions to Abyssinia, Salt later became British Consul-General in Egypt, where he played an important diplomatic role. Salt was also an artist & a collector of antiques. However, it is an an Egyptologist and for his involvement in the re-discovery of ancient Egypt that he is remembered.
Henry Salt (1780 – 1827) was one of the most important figures in early 19th century travel, archaeology and foreign diplomacy. Celebrated for his expeditions to Abyssinia, Salt later became British Consul-General in Egypt, where he played an important diplomatic role. Salt was also an artist & a collector of antiques. However, it is an an Egyptologist and for his involvement in the re-discovery of ancient Egypt that he is remembered.
“The mountain of Devra Damo appears to be completely scarped on every side, and, as I was informed, is very difficult of access, having only one path leading up to it; resembling in this respect many of the hill forts in India, as well as in its general character. As soon as I had completed a sketch of it, we proceeded on our journey, and, after travelling a few miles, came to a pass in the mountains, called Kella, which takes its name from the castellated appearance of the rocks in its neighbourhood: ‘Kella’ in the Abyssinian, as well as Arabic language, signifying a ‘castle.’ It still continues to be a place where duties are collected from the cafilas. About a mile farther on, we came to a beautiful glen, where a large daro tree stood by the side of a winding stream, the banks of which were richly covered with verdure, and here we stopped to refresh ourselves during the heat of the day.”
Abyssinian Locust (bottom).
A learned Abyssinaian.”
