List of famous archaeological discoveries

Most of the archeological discoveries listed below had significance for the development of archaeology as a discipline and added to human knowledge. However, some such discoveries may later have their meaning to be reassessed in the context of later discoveries, or even be discredited at a later date (eg. Piltdown Man).

Some archaeological discoveries may be associated with a particular archaeological site; others are equally relevant out of context.

See also: List of famous archaeological sites