Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862-1943) was a Hungarian-born British archaeologist, primarily known for his explorations and archaeological discoveries in Central Asia.

Stein was also an ethnographer, geographer, linguist and surveyor. His collection of books and manuscripts taken from caves in Central Asia is important for the study of the history of and the art and literature of the region. He wrote several volumes on his expeditions and discoveries including: Ancient Khotan (1907); Ruins of Desert Cathay (1912); Serindia (1921); Innermost Asia (1928); On Alexander’s track to the Indus (1929); and On Ancient Central Asian Tracks (1933).

Read more: Aurel Stein, An Explorer in Xinjiang