Einar Gjerstad

Swedish archaeologist (1897–1988)

Einar Nilson Gjerstad (Örebro, 30 October 1897 – 8 January 1988) was a Swedish archaeologist. He was most noted for his research of the ancient Mediterranean, particularly known for his work on Cyprus, as well as his studies of early Rome.

Gjerstad studied at Uppsala University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. 1920, fil. mag. 1921, fil. lic. 1923, and received his doctorate in 1926. In 1922 he was an assistant at excavations in Asine under Axel W. Persson (1888–1951), professor of classical archaeology and ancient history at Uppsala University. From 1926 until 1935 he was professor of classical archaeology and ancient history at Uppsala University. Gjerstad had the opportunity to go to Cyprus and conduct investigations 1923–1924, for example in Kalopsida. From 1927 until 1931 Gjerstad led the Swedish Cyprus Expedition. The expedition was intended to make a complete study of the ancient culture of Cyprus. Gjerstad served as the expedition's leader with overall responsibility, while Erik Sjöqvist and Alfred Westholm led most of the excavations. He was a pioneer in the study of Cypriot Bichrome ware. From 1935 until 1940, Gjerstad served as director the Swedish Institute at Rome. When Gjerstad left Rome in 1940, he assumed the position of Professor of Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Lund University.

On 1 November 1972 president of Cyprus, Makarios III, unveiled in the presence of Gjerstad, a stele at the Palace of Vouni in honour of Einar Gjerstad and the work conducted by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition. A street has been named after him in Larnaca, Cyprus. (It is adjacent to the Bamboula archaeological site of Kition.)