Early Middle Ages

Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi (TR)

Member of EXARC
No

In archaeology, where practice and experimentation are important research components, new approaches and methodologies are continuously developed. In our country we now have a number of interdisciplinary studies on public archaeology, as well as archaeo-parks and open-air museums, and these are an extremely important tool to sensitize the general public regarding issues of cultural heritage. 

This notwithstanding, in Turkey there are presently no institutional structures that allow the formation of new researchers or the continuity in practice and education, and therefore experimental archaeology struggles to become a tool for research. One of the main objectives of this center is to offer a session of introduction and formation on experimental archaeology to both Turkish academics and students at the master and doctoral level.

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (NL)

Member of EXARC
No

The University of Groningen has seen numerous experimental archaeology projects throughout the years, such as the construction of a medieval sod house and experimentation with growing crops in salt marshes in Frisia. These projects were guided by research interests, but it is not (yet) incorporated firmly in the curriculum. Introductions to flint knapping are provided for new students each year. 

The student-led Workgroup Experimental Archaeology Groningen (WEAG) was founded in 2019 to create an environment where fellow students can be introduced to experimental archaeology. They get to know natural materials otherwise only encountered during excavations, while at the same time practising with the creation and implementation of research designs, as well as their execution and presentation. 

Københavns Universitet (DK)

Member of EXARC
No

Since 1998, the course Experimental Archeology, Ethno-archeology and Simple Technology has been offered every fall semester at the University of Copenhagen. The pillars have been the same every year: 10-14 students from many different subjects, craftspeople, guest lecturers and two teachers.

The course consists of four elements:
1) Introduction to research history and theory
2) Presentation and discussion of selected case studies in lecture form, where the experimental-archaeological method and the interaction with the other disciplines are central elements
3) a series of practice experiments and technology studies as well
4) presentation, discussion and perspective of the experiments performed.

The course is offered in collaboration with the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and with Sagnlandet in Lejre.

Universität Wien (AT)

Member of EXARC
No

Vienna Institute of Archaeological Sciences - Experimental archaeology
Coordinator: Dr Wolfgang Lobisser

Research services:
• Archaeological experiments on specific research questions
• Reconstruction of archaeological exhibits
• Conception and planning of exhibition projects
• Construction of archaeological open-air museums
 

Experimental archaeology is highly suited to putting our ideas of the technical capabilities of our ancestors on a lifelike basis, to review our explanations and interpretations of excavation findings.
The experiment begins where conventional methods of archaeology no longer work and tries to test, explain and ultimately reconstruct crafting practices, technical equipment and work processes.

University of Reading (UK)

Member of EXARC
No

With several colleagues, Prof. Martin Bell has coordinated several experimental archaeology projects at the University of Reading over the years.

Experimental archaeology plays an important role in research and teaching at Reading University. Staff with particular involvement in experimental archaeology at Reading are Prof. Martin Bell and Dr Rob Hosfield, but experimental research also features in the projects of many other staff (e.g. Prof. Steven Mithen & Dr Wendy Matthews), and spans all archaeological periods.

Bournemouth University (UK)

Member of EXARC
No

Several archaeologists at Bournemouth University work with experimental archaeology. 

Dr Derek Pitman is an archaeologist who studies production and resource use. His research involves a combination of field archaeology, laboratory analysis and experimental reconstruction.