Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
open access
2012-08-31T00:00:00Z
This thesis explores two theoretical approaches of the dynamic interaction between religion and politics. In a case study, examining the sanctuary of Hera Akraia near the modern village of...Show moreThis thesis explores two theoretical approaches of the dynamic interaction between religion and politics. In a case study, examining the sanctuary of Hera Akraia near the modern village of Perachora, these theories are put to the test.Show less
The Classic Maya city of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, is a great and beautiful city, but the current appearance of the site is the result of almost two centuries of intensive research. This thesis...Show moreThe Classic Maya city of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, is a great and beautiful city, but the current appearance of the site is the result of almost two centuries of intensive research. This thesis investigates who the most influential explorers and archaeologist were during the 19th, 20th and 21st century, and how their choices shaped Palenque. It will also look into what literate and theoretical streams were of influence on the explorers and archaeologists. After applying theory to the data, the outcome is that archaeology is not only driven by the personal interests of the archaeologist, but also by the agenda of the funder, who seems mainly interested of the financial benefits of archaeology. In Mexico, financial benefits of archaeology come mainly through tourism, and therefore the appearance of archeological sites is high adapted to appeal to the eye of the tourist and to insure national income by means of tourism.Show less
The relationship between archaeological heritage and the general public has been a recurrent theme in the archaeological discipline, were an increasing reliance on revenue streams in heritage...Show moreThe relationship between archaeological heritage and the general public has been a recurrent theme in the archaeological discipline, were an increasing reliance on revenue streams in heritage settings leaves archaeologists to wonder how to present archaeology in an accessible, visual, and imaginative manner to the public. The complexities of several visualisation media are discussed in a heritage setting: illustrations, scale models, theme parks and museums and digital media (3D models, serious gaming and Virtual Reality). It is found that the authenticity and interactivity are recurrent themes in archaeological visualisation. The first proves to be rather negotiable, and the latter has proven itself to be a powerful way to capture the attention of the audience. Finally, it is concluded that archaeology has a lot to gain from visualisation for the public, and although archaeologists and other heritage professionals focus mostly on 3D models and Virtual Reality, it would seem this is also true for the more traditional types of visualisation. This reminds us that all forms of visualisation are merely tools available to the archaeologist and heritage experts to select as needed and solve a particular heritage visualisation problem.Show less
The purpose of this research is to identify the threats to archaeological monuments on privately owned land in Ireland, i.e. why and how monuments are being damaged or destroyed, and to find...Show moreThe purpose of this research is to identify the threats to archaeological monuments on privately owned land in Ireland, i.e. why and how monuments are being damaged or destroyed, and to find solutions to this problem that will satisfy the needs of both archaeologists and landowners alike. The methods used to address these issues include a remote survey of archaeological monuments in a research area in Co. Clare, qualitative interviews with landowners, IFA representatives and an archaeologist and a review of similar surveys on the preservation of monuments in Ireland, England and Northern Ireland. The results of all of the methods used in this research identified earthwork monuments, and especially ringforts, as the monuments that have been damaged the most on privately owned land in Ireland. To effectively prevent future damage from being caused to monuments on privately owned land, several solutions will need to be implemented so that they can be made to work in cooperation with each other. Updating the information on the levels of preservation of all monuments and continued monitoring of monuments will give a clear picture of what the current situation is today and any changes to the situation in the future. The issue needs to be fully publicised using all media to reach a maximum number of people. Education initiatives also need to be fully publicised to reach a maximum number of landowners. Moreover, solutions need not only to encourage farmers to preserve archaeological monuments, but to also make it worth their while and to respect their position as a major stakeholder in the Irish landscape.Show less
Trade is seen by most archaeologist, working with Medieval Southeast Asia, as the main reason for economic development and social interaction. However, through a study of the archaeological and...Show moreTrade is seen by most archaeologist, working with Medieval Southeast Asia, as the main reason for economic development and social interaction. However, through a study of the archaeological and historical material in Cambodia that impression is challenged. The presently known archaeological data in fact suggest that international trade was limited; Chinese ceramics seems to have been restricted, The Kingdom had no currency or standardized values and Cambodian exports are few and only found in the neighboring countries (provinces). The academic emphasis on trade has instead relied on historical sources, however,the interpretation of these seems to be embedded in a post WW II economic theoretical bias (Marxism & Cliometrics). The thesis questions the relevance of modern economic logic in the past and the significance trade had in Medieval Cambodia, both socially and economically.Show less
De Egyptische Predynastieke periode wordt in het aardewerkrepertoire onder andere gekenmerkt door versieringen, waarvan onderzoekers altijd hebben verondersteld dat het schepen betrof. Deze...Show moreDe Egyptische Predynastieke periode wordt in het aardewerkrepertoire onder andere gekenmerkt door versieringen, waarvan onderzoekers altijd hebben verondersteld dat het schepen betrof. Deze versieringen liggen ten grondslag aan veel theorieën betreft de vroeg Dynastieke religie en ideologie, en buitenlandse contacten met onder andere Mesopotamië, ondanks dat het materiaal nooit eerder kritisch onder de loep is genomen. In deze scriptie is het Predynastiek materiaal aan de hand van een door de auteur samengestelde catalogus aan de tand gevoeld om de variabiliteit van de iconografische componenten (units) vast te stellen. Hieruit blijkt dat een aantal onderzoekers er een levendige fantasie op nahoudt, de iconografie wezenlijk evolueert en ons begrip van deze decoraties momenteel nog steeds slechts van zeer oppervlakkige aard is.Show less
