Below are notable events in archaeology that occurred in 1842.

Explorations

• Site of Masada discovered.
• Karl Richard Lepsius begins an expedition to Egypt and the Sudan commissioned by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

Excavations

Finds

Publications

• W. F. Ainsworth publishes the first report on Üçayak Byzantine Church.
• Karl Lepsius produces the first modern list of pyramids.
• David Roberts begins publication of The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia (chromolithographs).
• First known use of the term "Industrial archaeology".^[1]

Births

• 12 January: Teoberto Maler, Mayanist

Deaths