About Us
Our Story
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Eleanor Hargrove and Dr. Marcus Bennett, AncientQuest began as a collaborative research initiative between archaeologists at the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum. What started as a specialized academic project documenting newly discovered hieroglyphics in the Valley of the Kings quickly evolved into a multidisciplinary venture exploring the interconnected histories of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia.
Over the past decade, our team has conducted expeditions across three continents, collaborated with leading museums worldwide, and developed innovative digital technologies for archaeological documentation and preservation. We've grown from a small research team to an internationally recognized organization dedicated to bridging the gap between academic archaeology and public engagement with ancient history.
Today, AncientQuest combines rigorous field research with digital storytelling to make the wonders of ancient civilizations accessible to everyone. Through our website, educational programs, and partnerships with cultural institutions, we continue our mission of preserving and sharing humanity's most fascinating historical narratives.
Our Mission & Values
Mission
At AncientQuest, we are dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing the stories of ancient civilizations through innovative research, ethical archaeological practices, and accessible education. We believe that understanding our shared human past is essential for navigating our collective future.
Our Core Values
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Scientific Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of academic research, ensuring that all our work is evidence-based, peer-reviewed, and transparent.
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Cultural Respect
We acknowledge and honor the diverse cultural contexts of the artifacts and histories we study, working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders.
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Educational Access
We believe ancient history should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or location, and strive to make complex archaeological concepts engaging and understandable.
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Technological Innovation
We embrace cutting-edge technologies to enhance our research capabilities, preservation efforts, and educational outreach.
Our Expert Team
Dr. Eleanor Hargrove
Founder & Lead Archaeologist
With over 25 years of experience in Egyptian archaeology, Dr. Hargrove has led excavations throughout the Nile Valley and published extensively on New Kingdom burial practices. She holds a Ph.D. from Oxford University and has served as a consultant for the British Museum and the Louvre.
Dr. Marcus Bennett
Co-Founder & Mesopotamian Specialist
Dr. Bennett specializes in Sumerian and Babylonian cuneiform texts, with particular expertise in ancient astronomical records. His groundbreaking translations of previously undeciphered tablets have revolutionized our understanding of early mathematics. He received his doctorate from the University of Chicago and has conducted fieldwork across Iraq and Syria.
Dr. Sophia Papadakis
Director of Greek Studies
An expert in Classical Greek architecture and sculpture, Dr. Papadakis brings contemporary digital modeling techniques to archaeological reconstruction. Her work mapping the evolution of Athenian temple design has earned international recognition. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Athens and previously worked with the Greek Archaeological Service.
Raj Patel
Digital Archaeology Director
Combining expertise in computer science and archaeology, Raj leads our digital documentation initiatives. He pioneered our 3D scanning protocols for artifact preservation and developed our virtual reality reconstructions of ancient sites. A graduate of MIT and Cambridge University, Raj previously worked with UNESCO's digital heritage preservation program.
Our Achievements
Groundbreaking Discoveries
Our team uncovered previously undocumented chamber tombs in the Valley of the Kings (2015), discovered intact Mycenaean trade records in Crete (2018), and identified a previously unknown Mesopotamian astronomical calendar (2020).
Preservation Initiatives
Developed innovative non-invasive preservation techniques for fragile papyri and clay tablets, now adopted by major museums worldwide. Our digital archiving system has preserved over 15,000 artifacts in high-resolution 3D models.
Educational Outreach
Our virtual learning programs have reached over 250,000 students across 43 countries. Our educational content has been integrated into university curricula in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Recognition & Awards
Recipient of the UNESCO Digital Heritage Award (2019), the Archaeological Institute of America's Outreach Award (2021), and the Australian Museum's Excellence in Research Medal (2022).
What Our Partners Say
"AncientQuest's collaboration with our museum has transformed how we present Mesopotamian artifacts to the public. Their digital reconstructions and contextual research have made ancient Babylon come alive for our visitors in ways we never thought possible."
"The ethical approach AncientQuest brings to archaeological fieldwork sets a new standard for the discipline. Their commitment to collaboration with local researchers and communities demonstrates how international archaeology can be conducted with respect and mutual benefit."
"As an educator, I've found AncientQuest's resources invaluable for engaging students with ancient history. Their virtual expeditions and interactive artifact databases have brought my classroom to life and inspired numerous students to pursue archaeology as a career."
Expedition Gallery
Join Us on Our Archaeological Journey
Whether you're interested in participating in our educational programs, supporting our research initiatives, or collaborating on new projects, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch