Robert Gauthiot

Who was Robert Gauthiot?

Robert Edmond Gauthiot was a French Orientalist, linguist, and explorer, born in Paris. In 1909, he becomes member of Société Asiatique and meets Paul Pelliot. Together, they translet the sogdian manuscript Vessantara Jataka found by Pelliot in Dunhuang grottoe n°17.

He interrupted his exploration of the Pamir Mountains in July 1914 to return home to serve as a captain in the infantry during World War I. Gauthiot received the Croix de guerre before he was wounded at the Second Battle of Artois in spring 1915. He died from injuries at Val de Grâce Hospital, one year later.