John David Ray (born 22 December 1945) is a BritishEgyptologist and academic. He is the formerSir Herbert Thompson Professor of Egyptology at theUniversity of Cambridge. His principal field of interest covers theLate andHellenistic periods of Egypt, with special reference to documents in thedemotic script, and he is also known for deciphering theCarian script, a writing system used byAnatolian mercenaries who fought for the late-period Egyptians.
Ray was born on 22 December 1945. He was educated atLatymer Upper School, aprivate school in London. He went on to study atTrinity Hall, Cambridge. He graduatedBachelor of Arts (BA), later promoted toMaster of Arts (MA Cantab).[1] While at Cambridge, he was awarded theThomas Young Medal for 'outstanding distinction in any branch of oriental archaeology'.[1][2]
Following his graduation from university, Ray spent some of 1970 working at theBritish Museum as a research assistant in the Department of Egyptian Antiquities.[1][3] He then joined theUniversity of Birmingham, where he was aLecture inEgyptology from 1970 to 1977.[4] In 1977, he joined theUniversity of Cambridge as aReader in Egyptology.[1][4] In 1979, he was elected aFellow ofSelwyn College in addition to his university post.[1] He was promoted toProfessor and appointed to theSir Herbert Thompson Chair in Egyptology in 2005.[4]
He retired in 2013 and was appointedprofessor emeritus.[1][5]
Ray is married to The Reverend Sonia Falaschi-Ray, aChurch of England priest.[6]
Ray was electedFellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA) on 11 May 2000.[7] In 2004, he was electedFellow of the British Academy (FBA).[4]
