Experimental Archaeology

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 Wollongong (AU)

Member of EXARC
No

As archaeologists, we study the culture and lifeways of ancient people. However, because culture does not preserve, archaeologists have to reconstruct past behaviours from material remains. To do this, archaeologists conduct experiments to evaluate the range of activities that may have taken place in the past.

These experiments can range from the making and using of Palaeolithic stone tools to reconstructing prehistoric houses, transporting megalithic structures, and ocean voyaging. By replicating these ancient activities, researchers can generate and test ideas about the technology and knowledge of past people. 

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. 

Connecticut College (US)

Member of EXARC
No

Founded in 1911, Connecticut College today is where liberal education is being redefined for the 21st century.  Connections is Connecticut College's reinvention of liberal arts education—a new kind of curriculum that lets you integrate your interests into a meaningful educational pathway to carry you through college and into a fulfilling, effective career and life. With a major, interdisciplinary study, a relevant internship, a world language, and an interconnected outlook, you’ll connect your education to the world, and make a world of difference.

Anthropology at Connecticut College

Faculty members of the Department of Anthropology have widely differing research interests in the study of the human condition, but all share a common bond in their commitment to teaching, field-based learning, and contributing new knowledge to their field. Their respective areas of scholarship span the major fields of the discipline, including archaeological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology.

Coastal Carolina University (US)

Member of EXARC
No

Coastal Carolina University offers baccalaureate degrees in 73 major fields of study. Among CCU's graduate-level programs are 25 master's degrees, two educational specialist degrees, and two doctoral programs. The University comprises 115 main buildings on 621 acres, including the Coastal Science Center and the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies.

Archaeology at CCU

The Department of Anthropology and Geography at Coastal Carolina University brings together diverse faculty to study the intersections between cultural and physical worlds. We work in archaeology, Geographic Information Systems, geography, cultural anthropology, museums, and environmental science. Our research takes us into the field, in the South Carolina Lowcountry and worldwide, where we examine lives, lifeways, and environments of the past and present.

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.