LEAKE, William Martin
Vice-coronel William Martin Leake (1777-1860) was a topographer, antiquarian and member of the society of the Dilettanti. He is considered one of the most systematic researchers of Greek territories. Leake studied in the Royal Military Academy, lived in India for four years and during his life became a member of the Royal Society of London, the Royal Geographic Society, and the Berlin Academy of Science.
From 1794 to 1815 Leake was on a government mission to the Ottoman empire, to promote the prospective political and military interests of the British Empire. Thus he mapped Egypt and the Nile waterfalls in 1801. He returned to Britan on a ship carrying part of the sculptures pillaged by Lord Elgin, and lost nearly all of his drawings and maps.
Later on, Leake studied the strategic possibilities of the Peloponnese, its roads and fortified positions. As official representative of Britain in the court of Ali Pasha, he made pioneering explorations of Northern Greece. Finally, he walked Western Asia Minor with unparalleled patience and endurance, and systematically charted its territory.
During his missions, Leake recorded every important feature of each area in his systematic, meticulous and precise style. He produced a plethoric work, comprised of the account of his travels (albeit with scarce references to himself), and historical and political expositions centered on the Greek world, both ancient and modern. In addition, Leake collected several antiquities, today housed in the British Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
Written by Ioli Vingopoulou
LEAKE, William Martin - Peloponnese
LEAKE, William Martin - Rest Images
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Midas monument at the village of Yazılıkaya, near Eski Sehir.
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The Troas from Rhoeteium and Alexandria to the summits of Mt. Ida.
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Plan of the orchestra of an ancient theatre according to Vitruvius' description.
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Part of the fortifications of Thestiae, near Vlochos, Aetolia and Acarnania.
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Inscription from the Byzantine church of Panagia Parigoritissa, Arta.
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Plan of the remains of the Roman aqueduct of Nicopolis on a tributary of Louros river .
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15, 16. Ancient Greek inscription from Domokos. 17. Ancient Greek inscription from Ypati.
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Drawing of slabs from the interior of the so-called “Tomb of Minyas” in Orchomenos.
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Outline of protrusion (possibly an ancient mound) near the walls of ancient Thebes.
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Map of the remains of ancient Anthedona at Loukisia, Boeotia.
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Part of spout from the acropolis of ancient Anthedona at Loukissia, Boeotia.
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Ruins of ancient fortification wall, tower and main body, near the village of Platanakia, Boeotia.
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Map of the archaeological site of Delphi with the village of Kastri.
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Plan of the Mycenaean structure called the “Palace of Odysseus” at the acropolis of Ithaca.
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Map of ancient Anactorion, which was situated on the site of modern-day Vonitsa.
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Plan of the polygonal walls of Kastritsa, ancient city near Ioannina.
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Ancient door frame discovered near the site of Boibe, ancient city in Thessaly.
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