James Henry Breasted was an American archaeologist and historian, known for his pioneering work in the study of ancient Egypt. Born in 1865, he became the first person to earn a Ph.D. in Egyptology in the United States. Breasted founded the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, which became a leading center for research in ancient Near Eastern studies. Breasted is best known for his efforts to make ancient history accessible to the public. He authored several influential books, including A History of Egypt, which provided a comprehensive overview of Egyptian civilization. His work helped to popularize the study of Egyptology and inspired future generations of scholars.