Chris Thornton

Explorer, Foodie, Life mentor, Scientist, World traveler

Christopher P. Thornton is the Senior Director of Cultural Heritage Initiatives at the National Geographic Society, and Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bat in the Sultanate of Oman. An expert in the origins of metallurgy and early complex societies in Iran and Arabia, Chris received his Ph.D. in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania. After lecturing at George Mason University, Dr. Thornton joined National Geographic to oversee research grants as the Lead Program Officer for research, conservation, and exploration. In addition to his role developing the new initiative, Chris works closely with NGS media to promote grantees and explorers in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, geography, geology, and paleontology.

archaeology, travel, wine and spirits, food

Protect our shared cultural heritage

anthropology, archaeology, cultural heritage