Experimental archaeology

The Experimental archeology is a specialized field of archeology. It is mainly dedicated to the exploration of technological issues, and examines practical aspects of ancient ways of life.

Approach

The classical archaeological and historical scientific methods gain their knowledge through observation and interpretation of finds and sites. Experimental archeology tries to deepen this knowledge through experience.

Using found objects, paintings and texts is an attempt to tap into the working methods of the past. These findings are then applied by archaeologists and craftsmen to recreate artifacts that are as similar as possible to their historical predecessors. In the application of these replicas of the technical status of past eras can be experienced.

As a father of experimental archeology applies the amateur archaeologist Frederik Sehested (1813-1882), with the stone-age tools, built a log house in 1879 in Soholm Denmark, stood for a long time in the Open Air Museum The Funen Village, Odense on Funen.

Later it was proved with the reconstruction of medieval longbow their enormous clout. Replicas of ancient Greek kilns illustrated the efficiency and methodology of ancient pottery. Many attempts are limited to a replica, while more complex issues are about for waste products or formation processes remained quite rare.

Definition and delimitation

The starting point for experimental archaeological experiments is a well- defined question. The results from the tests must be measurable and traceable at any time and are documented in detail. These results must be later under the defined conditions reproducible at any time. For these reasons, many as " experimentalarchäologisch " designated activities, such as bronze casting, iron smelting in bloomery furnace, or stone and bone processing before an audience, by definition, more likely to assign the Archäotechnik.

Well-known examples

The Travels of Thor Heyerdahl is a well-known example of experimental archeology. Heyerdahl built a raft, among others ( the Kon-Tiki ) and thus besegelte the Pacific.

A well-known bauarchäologisches experiment is the earthwork of Overton Down in southern England. There is an artificial mound has been created, in which various materials are buried. Since the establishment in 1960, it is observed how the erosion changes the shape of the wall. In excavations of the decay of the injected vaccine is observed. As a long-term project Overton Down to provide insights into fund conservation and erosion, which will be used in future excavations. Another example is also situated in Great Britain Butser Ancient Farm. Other experimental construction projects include the construction of the castle guedelon or motte at Luetjenburg. A long tradition in experimental archeology has Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen, is being tested and researched in the since 1922.

The Munich-based historian Marcus Junkelmann delivered in 1985 is an example, as he managed a crossing of the Alps as 2000 years ago with some companions with reconstructed weapons and equipment of Roman legionaries.

More recently, several television productions of experimental archeology devoted. 2006 SWR produced the documentary series Stone Age - The experiment and the following year came the Swiss TV with Neolithics Pfyn. Both formats were devoted to the life in the Stone Age.

Experimental Archaeology in teaching

In Germany archaeological institutes provide students with occasional courses in cast bronze, pottery, vase painting and other craft techniques. This would result in a more vivid picture of the object of study and a better understanding of life in the past. A course in experimental archeology offers to the University of Exeter. Places for practical tests are among others the Sagnlandet Lejre in Denmark, the Archaeological and Ecological Center Albers village or carried by the district of Mayen -Koblenz and the Roman- Germanic Central Museum and soon to be opening a laboratory for experimental archeology in Mayen, where students also elaborate conduct experiments and gather practical experience.

Experimental Archaeology and Museum Education

Museum Educational contrast rather " archäotechnische " approaches are also in use. An example will be the Roman Museum in Haltern here. There, the field pack a legionary can be shouldered, an experience that raises respect for the achievements of the Romans march.

However, an experimental archeology as a scientific approach of these activities - the so usually do not have issues and are not documented, but only want to grow aware of and communicating - clearly settle for Archäotechnik. Scientific experimental archeology is not a museum education and is also rarely used publicly - it does not serve the mediation, but to gain knowledge for research.

Experimental Archaeology and Hobbyismus

Since employ for several years, more and more interested laymen with high academic standards so intense, you can view the experimental archeology in a broader sense as part of the living history or reenactment scene. In addition to the often long -term experience that can help these people, they are also mostly honorary and free active and can therefore be very valuable in this respect for science.

Scientists and organizations

With the experimental archeology deal, among other things:

• Clemens Eibner
• Mamoun Fansa
• Daniela core
• Marcus Junkelmann
• Pavel Pavel

In the European Association for the Promotion of Experimental Archaeology eV EXAR various working groups have come together.