1859 in archaeology

Below are notable events in archaeology that occurred in 1859.

Excavations

 * February – Excavation of Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter) under Thomas Wright begins.
 * Excavation of Nydam Mose in Denmark under Conrad Engelhardt begins (continues to early 1864).
 * Excavation of Camirus on Rhodes under Alfred Biliotti begins (continues to 1864).

Finds

 * Great Eleusinian Relief in Eleusis, Greece.
 * Vigna Randanini Jewish catacombs in Rome.

Publications

 * J. M. García publishes an account of Monte Albán.
 * Charles Roach Smith — Illustrations of Roman London.

Miscellaneous

 * 26 May & 2 June – Geologist Joseph Prestwich and amateur archaeologist John Evans report (to the Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries of London, respectively) the results of their investigations of gravel-pits in the Somme valley and elsewhere, extending human history back to what will become known as the Paleolithic Era.
 * Imperial Archaeological Commission founded in Saint Petersburg.
 * Royal Geographical Society is given a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria.

Deaths

 * 6 May: Alexander von Humboldt, explorer, writer