Marija Gimbutas was a Lithuanian-American archaeologist and anthropologist known for her work on ancient European cultures. She is best recognized for her theories about the Goddess worship and the role of women in prehistoric societies, particularly in the Neolithic period. Gimbutas proposed that many early European cultures were matriarchal and centered around fertility and nature. Her research focused on the archaeological sites of Old Europe, which she believed were characterized by peaceful societies that revered the feminine divine. Gimbutas published several influential books, including "The Language of the Goddess," which helped popularize the study of goddess worship and the significance of feminine symbols in ancient art and culture.