NEWS by EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POSTCLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGIES
G. Ruiz Zapatero Archaeology today: people, knowledge and dissemination
This paper offers a UK perspective on why, and for whom, archaeology has been carried out in the ... more This paper offers a UK perspective on why, and for whom, archaeology has been carried out in the past, and considers the impact of new motivations and stakeholders based around public benefit. The UK has been at the forefront of archaeological investigation which has long been carried out under two ‘pillars’: enquiry-led investigation, carried out to advance knowledge; and development-led investigation, carried out to ensure knowledge of threatened sites is preserved for the future. Such investigations have made countless new discoveries and nurtured a very effective profession, but there are causes for concern which today threaten the sustainability of archaeology. However, one source of hope lies in an emerging third ‘pillar’ of investigation, people-led archaeology, carried out to benefit members of wider society in a range of ways. As evidence for these benefits becomes more scientifically robust and more widely appreciated, this will give archaeology a valued new role that will help sustain it into the future.
This paper looks at the way in which funders and planning policies in a British context have impa... more This paper looks at the way in which funders and planning policies in a British context have impacted on the public accessibility and sustainability of archaeological work in an era of shrinking budgets. Taking three cases studies from the period 2008 to 2023, it looks at who the funders of each project were, what they expected as public benefit, and how this impacted on the aims, sustainability, and outcomes of each project. It concludes that whilst developers, local authorities, and universities all acknowledge a public benefit in supporting a variety of archaeological work, the success of such approaches is frequently seen as a short-term aim, often centred around publicity. The sustainability of such approaches, especially financial sustainability, needs strategic planning and longer-term support in order to be sustainable in a post-COVID pandemic financial environment.
Unlike in many other countries, archaeology in France has played only a very minor role in shapin... more Unlike in many other countries, archaeology in France has played only a very minor role in shaping national identity. Indeed, the official history of France begins with three successive defeats: the Gauls conquered by the Romans, then Roman Gaul conquered by the Germanic Franks, and finally the cultural disappearance of the latter in conquered Roman Gaul. The Gauls did not become the ‘ancestors’ of the French until the Third Republic, which was born in 1870 after another defeat, this time against Prussia, and which established free, secular and compulsory education. Nevertheless, the considerable progress made in recent decades has been largely due to the determined efforts of archaeologists, which is why we must remain optimistic for the future. What’s more, the French public is passionate about archaeology and, less than nationalist ideologies, it is the role of archaeology in current social debates that interests the public, particularly questions around climate change, violence, male domination and inequality, for example.
Since the 1950s, the emphasis on history has changed due to factors such as the decline of ideolo... more Since the 1950s, the emphasis on history has changed due to factors such as the decline of ideologies, advancements in communication, and the evolution of ‘generational consciousness’. In the current profound cultural blending, consequence of mobility on a global scale, there is a need to focus on a multivocal and reflexive interpretation, rather than on the reconstruction of national identities, now favoured by autocracies and right-wing European groups. Reflecting on how humans have lived in the past, without self-condemning a priori with cancel culture, we can gain insights into the significant changes occurring today. However, it is crucial to resist the massification of ideas, and instead engage in meaningful discussions with others. The promotion of narratives that open up new collective visions can help us preserve the ideal of a grassroots democracy instead of a virtual and fictitious one promoted online.
The article takes its cue from two recent hypotheses. The first, formulated by C. Parisi Presicce... more The article takes its cue from two recent hypotheses. The first, formulated by C. Parisi Presicce, presents the colossus of Maxentius' basilica as a reworking of the statue of Jupiter in the Capitoline Temple. The second, by C. Vollmer, proposes to interpret the rotunda south of St. Peter’s, later dedicated to St. Andrew, as a building in which the augustus would have planned to be buried ad Petrum. If confirmed, these hypotheses impose a reappraisal of the widespread historiographic scheme that opposes Constantine’s almost total disinterest in the centre of Rome to his ambitious programme of ecclesiastical foundations extra moenia. The essay discusses these hypotheses by inserting them into the broader issue of the relationship between Constantine and ancient Rome, opening up new avenues to address the dynamics of the transformation of the late antique world from a transdisciplinary perspective.
In 2020, a georadar survey and subsequent LiDAR data processing allowed for the non-invasive mapp... more In 2020, a georadar survey and subsequent LiDAR data processing allowed for the non-invasive mapping of the archaeological deposit in the fortified site known as Rocca di Garda. This hybrid and integrated survey methodology enabled the identification of the original topography, confirming the significant historical and archaeological importance of the fortification in late antiquity.
In the area between the Serio and Oglio rivers, preventive archaeology, carried out by the Soprin... more In the area between the Serio and Oglio rivers, preventive archaeology, carried out by the Soprintendenza as part of major works, has revealed a significant density of sites. Starting from the excavations in the Dignone/Cortenuova area, this study analyses the evolution of settlements from the Roman era to the Middle Ages in the current municipalities of Romano, Cortenuova, and Cividate al Piano. This territory, between the 6th and 13thcenturies, was contested by Byzantines and Lombards, and later by Cremona and Bergamo. The study discusses, using written sources, historical maps, toponyms, and archaeological data, the geomorphological characteristics in relation to hydrography, road networks, and agricultural divisions erroneously attributed to centuriation. With reference to a broader territory, it mentions the defense systems and the distribution of settlements, particularly related to fiscal properties. Finally, the study highlights the unresolved issues, waiting for the publication of the numerous emergency excavations still unpublished.
The zooarchaeological analysis conducted at the archaeological site of Dinka Dokule in the city o... more The zooarchaeological analysis conducted at the archaeological site of Dinka Dokule in the city of Rab (Croatia) outlined an overall picture of animal exploitation during the early medieval phase of occupation of this building (6th-8th century AD). This includes both the main domestic species and the fish resources. The reconstruction of the complex animal butchery process, combined with stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) on both fauna and human remains from contemporary burials, has enhanced the understanding of the consumption of plant and, above all, animal products. Comparison with other Croatian sites reveals similar dietary patterns with some changes from the Roman to the Early Medieval period. Despite the presence of various species of marine fish among the meal remains stable isotope analyses have not indicated significant consumption of marine resources.
Post-Classical Archaeologies (PCA) is an independent, international, peer-reviewed journal devote... more Post-Classical Archaeologies (PCA) is an independent, international, peer-reviewed journal devoted to the communication of post-classical research. PCA publishes a variety of manuscript types, including original research, discussions and review articles. Topics of interest include all subjects that relate to the science and practice of archaeology, particularly multidisciplinary research which use specialist methodologies, such as zooarchaeology, paleobotany, archaeometallurgy, archaeometry, spatial analysis, as well as other experimental methodologies applied to the archaeology of post-classical Europe. Submission of a manuscript implies that the work has not been published before, that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere and that it has been approved by all co-authors. Authors must clear reproduction rights for any photos or illustration, credited to a third party that they wishe to use (including content found on the Internet). For more information about ethics (including plagiarism), copyright practices and guidelines please visit the website www.postclassical.it. PCA is published once a year in May. Manuscripts should be submitted to
T his 14 th issue of the European Journal of Post-Classical Archaeologies seeks to answer some qu... more T his 14 th issue of the European Journal of Post-Classical Archaeologies seeks to answer some questions about the current significance attributed to archaeology. How is the work of archaeologists being politically directed and used today, and to what extent are we aware of this? Who benefits from what we, as archaeologists, do? And how can we ensure that our research on the past remains relevant in a very uncertain present and in a future that appears progressively bleak from political, economic, social, and climatic perspectives? Archaeology is becoming increasingly visible in popular media and attracts the attention of both enthusiasts and politicians, who not only understand-as they always have-the power of reconstructing the past for their own objectives, but have also begun to link archaeological sites with tourism and thus with economic benefits. However, concerns are emerging about the excessive simplification of narratives and sometimes the falsification of information, such as the fake news with which we are continuously bombarded, and not only on social media. The miscellaneous section includes research on cities from late antiquity to the late Middle Ages while the dossier reflects on “citizen science” as a tool to increasingly involve and prepare the public in the research, protection, and enhancement of archaeological heritage.
PCA 13 (2023) by EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POSTCLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGIES
The results obtained in the València la Vella project introduce this archaeological site into the... more The results obtained in the València la Vella project introduce this archaeological site into the scientific debate on forming new cities in Visigothic Hispania. Our research argues that it was a Visigothic city built during the reign of Liuvigild and in a context of confrontation
against the Byzantine Empire.
Through the participatory archaeology project “Archivio di Comunità del Monte Baldo” (led by the ... more Through the participatory archaeology project “Archivio di Comunità del Monte Baldo” (led by the Medieval Archaeology team of the University of Padua), the foundations have been laid for the creation of a digital archive that catalogues and enhances the aspects of cultural richness of the Monte Baldo chain.
Preliminary research, resulting from the synergy between the University of Padua team and the community of Brentonico, has revealed how the mountain huts are perceived as one of the defining features of the local landscape. In response to this popular interest, a more in-depth study on this topic has been undertaken, encompassing its landscape, architectural,
environmental, and infrastructural aspects.
In particular, a systematic census of the alpine structures (or their residual traces) has been initiated, and the results have been compiled into a catalogue of mountain hut architectures.
Based on the collected data, it has been possible to contextualize the surveyed structures within a historical territorial framework.
Based on the study of two walls entirely made of wood and several reused boards, recently excavat... more Based on the study of two walls entirely made of wood and several reused boards, recently excavated in Moissac (France), this paper investigates the post-and-plank construction technique. Generally found in northern and eastern Europe, and most often associated with the early Middle Ages, this building system is rarely highlighted due to lack of preservation. However, the recent discovery of structures in Moissac shows that this type of architecture was probably used in a wider area of Europe and over a longer chronological period, including the 12th and 13th centuries.
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NEWS by EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POSTCLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGIES
PCA 13 (2023) by EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POSTCLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGIES
against the Byzantine Empire.
Preliminary research, resulting from the synergy between the University of Padua team and the community of Brentonico, has revealed how the mountain huts are perceived as one of the defining features of the local landscape. In response to this popular interest, a more in-depth study on this topic has been undertaken, encompassing its landscape, architectural,
environmental, and infrastructural aspects.
In particular, a systematic census of the alpine structures (or their residual traces) has been initiated, and the results have been compiled into a catalogue of mountain hut architectures.
Based on the collected data, it has been possible to contextualize the surveyed structures within a historical territorial framework.
against the Byzantine Empire.
Preliminary research, resulting from the synergy between the University of Padua team and the community of Brentonico, has revealed how the mountain huts are perceived as one of the defining features of the local landscape. In response to this popular interest, a more in-depth study on this topic has been undertaken, encompassing its landscape, architectural,
environmental, and infrastructural aspects.
In particular, a systematic census of the alpine structures (or their residual traces) has been initiated, and the results have been compiled into a catalogue of mountain hut architectures.
Based on the collected data, it has been possible to contextualize the surveyed structures within a historical territorial framework.
to the 11th century AD, provided a first picture of the exploitation of animals before the urban expansion and maritime success of the city. Although with lower percentages, the discrete variability of wild species has allowed us to advance considerations on the lagoon environment in the central centuries of the Early Middle Ages.
and interpretation of ceramics, set in the context of an increasing body of evidence for the vibrant Early Medieval communities populating the island, demonstrates the significantrole of Naxos in interregional maritime networks during this period.
with the well-studied regional context of Gallia provides the opportunity to sketch trends (rather than designing ‘models’), seeking the integration of different datasets and approaches. The analysis is framed by an overview of the theoretical and methodological issues of archaeo-historical research on the suburbia of the Roman towns in the Western Empire and also integrates methodologies of contemporary urban planning.
subjects who recognize the hill, with its ruins and its landscape, as a ‘common’ heritage
However, a diachronic and interdisciplinary research is possible, to reconstruct the characteristics, methods of use and evolution over time of the commons, identifying the interactions between the different elements of the productive landscapes in which the communities of the past lived.
within communities, whether past or present, is limited, however. Archaeology needs theories to frame understanding of the personal and contextual factors that motivate individual actors to collaborate when conditions require collective action. This paper reviews how developing theories of collective action have been applied in pre-historic, historical and public archaeology and assesses the limitations and potential of those theories for future research and practice.
Europe, that highlighted the transformations between the end of the Roman city and the
development of the medieval one. New techniques and tools – particularly bioarchaeology,
demography, the study of the relations between cities and their dependant territories,
spatial analyses and interdisciplinary and diachronic approaches – open new research opportunities. They also offer new questions about how the history of the past cities could be useful in the contemporary transformation of the cities.
Keywords: urban archaeology, early medieval cities, dark earth, bioarchaeology
origins of Brussels, the evolution of the regional landscape and urban economy and personal life. Future research will further explore these themes, but also other themes such as the study of microlaminated house floors and the georeferencing of the environmental dataset open new perspectives in research in Brussels urban archaeology.