Cedric Norman Johns
Cedric Norman Johns or C.N. Johns (14 October 1904 – 1992) was a Welsh archeologist primarily known for his excavation work on the sites of Château Pèlerin, Ajlun, and Euhesperides.[1] Johns was one of the last Field Archeologists for the Department of Antiquities of Palestine under the British Mandate.[2]
Career
Johns graduated from Emmanuel College in Cambridge.[2] He then moved to Jerusalem to teach at St. George's School. Johns first became involved with archeology as a hobby.[1] In 1928, he left teaching to become a librarian at the British School of Archeology at Jerusalem.[2] In 1930, Johns was appointed Field Archeologist for the Department of Antiquities of Palestine by Ernest Richmond, a position he would serve in until the dissolution of Mandatory Palestine in 1948.[1][2] While serving as a Field Archeologist, Johns conducted some of his most notable excavations. Johns focused much of his work on monumental archeology.[1]
Shortly after the dissolution of Mandatory Palestine, Johns became the Controller of Antiquities in the recently created state of Libya under British Military Administration.[1] While in Libya, Johns led the excavation of the Greek city of Euhesperides for two seasons. The dig was a collaboration between the Antiquities Service and the Ashmolean Museum.[1]
In 1954, Johns left the Middle East and returned to Wales where he served as Principal Investigator for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.[1] While serving in this position, Johns investigated several Welsh castles including Caernarvon, Caerphilly, and Bishop's Castle.[1]
In 1969, Johns received the G.T. Clark Memorial Prize and retired from archeology.[1]
Legacy
After Johns's death in 1992, his archives were donated to the Palestine Exploration Fund by his son, Adam.[2]