Who is considered the father of archaeological excavation?

The correct answer is William Cunnington. William Cunnington (1754–1810) is widely regarded as the 'father of archaeological excavation' in Britain. He conducted systematic excavations of barrows (burial mounds) on Salisbury Plain, meticulously recording his findings and pioneering methods that laid the groundwork for modern archaeological practice. His collaboration with Sir Richard Colt Hoare was instrumental in early archaeological methodology.

• Heinrich Schliemann is famous for excavating Troy, but his methods were often criticized and he worked later than Cunnington.
• William Flinders Petrie was a highly influential figure in Egyptian archaeology, known for his meticulous recording and seriation, but active later than Cunnington.
• Sir Arthur Evans is famous for excavating Knossos and the Minoan civilization, also active later than Cunnington.