Introduction to Marija Gimbutas’ Centennial Year
The Lithuanian-American archaeologist Marija Gimbutas (nee Marija Birutė Alseikaitė) was born on January 23, 1921 in Vilnius, the ancient capital of Lithuania. She is honored by UNESCO during this, her centennial year, as one of the “eminent personalities who have helped shape the civilization we share by contributing to the mutual enrichment of cultures for universal understanding and peace.” Her birthday was chosen during the 40th session of UNESCOʼS General Assembly and is included in the official list of significant memorial dates for 2021. This Spring issue of the Journal of Archaeomythology is dedicated to Marija Gimbutas whose interdisciplinary practice of archaeomythology inspired the creation of our international organization, The Institute of Archaeomythology. Ten authors from Britain, Finland, Germany, Italy, and the United States have contributed articles for this volume to honor Marija Gimbutas on the occasion of her Centennial.