Frédéric Bayern was a 19^th century specialist in the Caucasus. He started out as a teacher of modern languages, and then trained in the natural sciences, directed archaeological excavations, and helped build the momentum of museum activities in the Caucasus region. He lived abroad for many years, and was active in the scientific community of his time: he was, for example, closely associated with Ernest Chantre, and a “correspondant” or full member of the Société d’anthropologie de Lyon.