Prof. Moshe Stekelis, internationally-known archeologist who found 40,000 archeological items, among them four stone-age skeletons, died here at the age of 69 in the midst of preparations for another expedition.
The Hebrew University, where he was professor of archaeology, said that in 40 years, Prof. Stekelis had made many discoveries which "shed light on early man and which are invaluable in reconstructing his development." He died during a meeting at his home on plans for a trip to the Jordan Valley. Eight years ago, he and two other Hebrew University scientists found evidence of a civilization in existence between 250,000 and 500,000 years ago.
Born in Russia, Dr. Stekelis earned a degree in archaeology at the University of Odessa in 1924 and shortly thereafter he was sent to Siberia for Zionist activities. During his three years in Siberian exile he managed to continue research in anthropology. In 1928 he settled in Palestine.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.