Bronze Age

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. 

Université de Liège (BE)

Member of EXARC
No

TraceoLab is a research centre in prehistory with a particular focus on the analysis of use-wear and residues on stone tools in combination with extensive experimentation. The experimental research is thus focused on stone tools, in various raw materials but with a predominance of flint. 

All stone tools are manufactured by a skilled knapper who is a member of TraceoLab. The group is involved in a lot of methodological work, in relation to use-wear, residues and taphonomy, while also specific themes are addressed, such as hafting and projectiles. The lab houses specific equipment for experimentation, in particular for projectiles, next to specialized analytical equipment.

University of Manchester (UK)

Member of EXARC
No

The Experimental Archaeology Group was established in 2017 to create the opportunity for both staff and students to get hands-on experience of making, using and researching the artefacts and material culture that they learn and teach about within degree units.

Since forming, the group has explored prehistoric and historical ethnographic knapping techniques, prehistoric bone and antler working, organic cordage from a range of plant fibre sources and willow work, including basketry and fish traps.
These sessions provide us as archaeologists with a new understanding of certain aspects of material culture, including time, skill, knowledge, effort and sensorial experience, all of which expand our understanding of the past.

Newcastle University (UK)

Member of EXARC
No

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology is home to several archaeologists conducting experimental archaeology. 

Dr Chloe Duckworth has experience with among others Roman and medieval glass. She teaches for example the module “you are what you make”. This module explores - and helps you to learn - the skills and techniques humans have used for millennia to control, manipulate, and construct the world around us.