Marc Aurel Stein

Marc Aurel Stein, A Hungarian-British archaeologist and explorer, Stein is renowned for his archaeological expeditions to Central Asia and northwestern China. Conducting four major journeys into the Western Regions (present-day Xinjiang and Gansu) in the early 20th century, he uncovered significant cultural relics and manuscripts, including portions of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves' Library Cave texts and artworks (now housed in institutions such as the British Museum). His seminal work, Serindia: Detailed Report of Explorations in Central Asia and Westernmost China, systematically documented Silk Road heritage, providing foundational material for international Dunhuang studies and Central Asian research. However, Stein’s methods of acquiring artifacts remain contentious, with some scholars critiquing his actions as reflective of colonial-era cultural appropriation, while others acknowledge his scholarly rigor and preservation efforts. As a polarizing figure, Stein’s legacy embodies the complexities of cultural encounters between East and West during the modern era.