This thesis explores how websites can be utilized as tools in archaeological public outreach, using a commercial excavation in Iceland as an example. A website was created around the commercial...Show moreThis thesis explores how websites can be utilized as tools in archaeological public outreach, using a commercial excavation in Iceland as an example. A website was created around the commercial excavation in Seyðisfjörður, eastern Iceland named Fjörður. The research takes place where avalanche protection walls will damage archaeological sites. The archaeology found at the site is represents Icelandic archaeology in a nutshell from the Viking Age to Modern Times. A landslide hit the village of Seyðisfjörður in December 2020. When the archaeologists started excavating the site they found large landslide layers in between cultural phases. What narrative can be told about the long-term history of the archaeological site Seyðisfjörður, including the ongoing influence of the landslides, and how can we translate that narrative to the general public? The narrative reflects how the deep history of Seyðisfjörður shows the inhabitants’ resilience against the environment and would illustrate 61 the chronology of the site in a relatable way. The relationship between outreach websites and social media is explored and how strategy in outreach is a key factor in a successful outreach campaign. The narrative also displays the work that archaeologists undertake and how they collect and research this knowledge. This has the potential to increase the awareness and benefits of the work that archaeologists do and the importance of public outreach. It increases valuation and engagement of (archaeological) heritage. Without public outreach archaeological research has no future.Show less
Archaeological heritage are under threat by climate change all over the world and its resulting impacts are happening so quickly and within so many different physical and socio-cultural contexts,...Show moreArchaeological heritage are under threat by climate change all over the world and its resulting impacts are happening so quickly and within so many different physical and socio-cultural contexts, that it is impossible for any single organization or discipline to combat. For this reason, many researchers around the world have developed various methods and options in engaging the public’s help through community-based and citizen science research, including community archaeology and community-based heritage projects to better preserve our cultural heritage. This thesis presents five diverse case studies from Alaska, Scotland, Florida, Australia, France and Guadeloupe to highlight how collaboration and community archaeology are building better practices to manage coastal archaeological heritage. The case studies are compared and analyzed with a five-part methodology, based on underlying components they all share. In the end I will determine the most common factors attributing to a successful community archaeology project and discussing how we can enlist the public’s help in our battle against climate change.Show less
In Northern Pakistan lies a cave temple with vast untapped research potential. Kashmir Smast is a religious cave and settlement site in the Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This site is...Show moreIn Northern Pakistan lies a cave temple with vast untapped research potential. Kashmir Smast is a religious cave and settlement site in the Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This site is currently dated from at least the 2nd century CE and may be one of the earliest dated sites associated with Hinduism in Pakistan, with occupation continuing until at least the 11th century. Researchers have identified Kashmir Smast as the earliest Śaivite site in the northwest based on material culture including a wide range of religious motifs found on unique seals (Nasim Khan, 2003). However, there is also evidence of Vaiṣṇava, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, and Islamic connections through the archaeological and textual evidence associated with the site. Based on a range of material connected to Kashmir Smast the principal deity is believed to be the goddess Bhīmā, associated with fortune and prosperity. To date very few studies have explored Bhīmā in detail with most studies offering her a cursory mention within the iconography found on the seals and coinage. This thesis takes this opportunity to contribute a new perspective to the understanding of this site and develop wider research around this goddess, through exploring an interdisciplinary approach to analysing religious change.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
In the Sicilian maritime town of Acitrezza, the tangible cultural and intangible heritage in the Rodolico’s shipyard has been unrecognised over the past years and rarely promoted as part of...Show moreIn the Sicilian maritime town of Acitrezza, the tangible cultural and intangible heritage in the Rodolico’s shipyard has been unrecognised over the past years and rarely promoted as part of cultural or economic-oriented activities of the area. For a long time, approaches to cultural heritage in Acitrezza have only celebrated the Verga’s greatest masterpiece, I Malavoglia, and the local protected marine area, characterised by the presence of the Faraglioni basaltic rocks. The protracted indifference of the local authority toward the shipyard combined with internal family dynamics seems to condemn this genius loci to oblivion. People believe this misrecognition leads to ignoring a sense of local identity made up of “marine carpentry affairs” and centuries-old tangible and intangible heritage practices that might be meaningful to the local community. This thesis employs a collaborative methodology called Participatory Video (PV) to investigate an alternative past for the town of Acitrezza, possibly incorporating the shipyard and shipwrights into a new local heritage policy and strategy. Two different approaches, underpinning two cases studies, characterise this methodology: the postcolonial author approach, which consists of an equal and peer-to-peer relationship between researchers and informants to create videos about tangible and intangible heritage, and the author as “a fly in the soup” approach, which enables informants to create their own personal and community narrative-commentary about private photographs of Acitrezza (and more!). Through the collaborative video-creation process, the thesis demonstrates that the PV methodology can be suitable for collaboration with people when dealing with local issues.Show less
This thesis describes and discusses the different archaeological channels that broadcast archaeological content on YouTube. Archaeological channels on the platform provide opportunities for...Show moreThis thesis describes and discusses the different archaeological channels that broadcast archaeological content on YouTube. Archaeological channels on the platform provide opportunities for practicing archaeological science communication and for interaction between archaeologists and the general public. For instance, the scientific YouTube channels Ant Lab and Archaeoduck are great examples of science communication on YouTube. The channel owners, entomologist Smith and archaeologists Duckworth demonstrate that scientific YouTube channels can make science more interesting for the general public and create a closer (and more personal) connection between the viewer and the scientist. Regardless, archaeological channels can also disseminate inaccurate information or incorrectly represent the archaeological discipline. It is therefore important for the archaeological discipline to understand the archaeological content that is currently available on YouTube. On the basis of former research within the field of archaeology and science communication, a data set of 80 different archaeological channels was produced and analysed in this thesis. The content analysis shows an extremely diverse set of archaeological channels that vary in subscriber size, content type, purpose, level of interaction, target audience, content producer, and reliability. Most archaeological channels from the data set provide accurate scientific information and are targeted towards enthusiasts of archaeology. However, apart from a few significant outliers, these scientific archaeological channels remain relatively small in subscriber count in comparison to the other non-scientific archaeological channels. Archaeological channels on YouTube mostly inform or educate their audiences. Yet, a combination of entertaining aspects and (scientific) information is an effective format for reaching larger audiences. Moreover, the content of archaeological channels is produced by individuals, archaeological organisations/institutions, and larger television/documentary networks. Also the level of interaction between channels and viewers varies significantly per channel and suggest that the three main models of science communication (deficit model, dialogue model, and participation model) are each represented on YouTube independently.Show less
Since the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime,...Show moreSince the 1960s, research on the chemical composition of ancient archaeological glass has been executed. It has become clear that raw ancient glass exists of three main ingredients: silica, lime, and a flux. Next to these ingredients, iron is always found in the mix which gives glass naturally a green or blue colour. Around the fourth century AD, a new type of glass was introduced. This glass type was probably made in Egypt and is distinguishable from the other compositional types of glass by its yellow to green colour. Research indicates that the glass has high levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and titanium (Ti) in its composition. This is why, in 1994, the term ‘HIMT’ glass is introduced by prof. I. Freestone. This research focuses on the dispersion of HIMT glass during the fourth to seventh centuries AD on the Italian peninsula to fill in gaps in the knowledge of the general dispersion of HIMT glass throughout the Mediterranean area. HIMT glass was not the only type of glass on the market. In this research, the focus lies on HIMT glass, but to provide more context about the general glass market, also other types of glass like Egypt I and II and Levantine glass are being discussed. It is generally accepted that there are two primary glass production areas for all the ancient glass: the Levant and Egypt. The glass was formed here into large chunks which were shipped throughout the Mediterranean area to secondary production areas. There the glass was formed into vessels or other useable objects. To understand where the glass originates, chemical research is performed. Hereby, not only the chemical elements, which could be added intentionally or unintentionally, are taken into account, also isotopes, like neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr) which respectively indicate the age of the sediments and the source of lime, are being researched. This results in the distinction of several glass compositional groups. This research aims to answer the following question: ‘How is HIMT glass dispersed in Italy during the fourth to seventh centuries AD?’. After providing information on the chemical composition of glass and the existing glass compositional groups, an overview is given of 17 sites on the Italian peninsula where HIMT glass is present in the glass assemblage. These sites are researched using archaeological publications. A distinction is made between production sites, where the glass was formed into objects and where production waste was found, and consumption sites, where the objects were solely 68 used. Looking at the context of the sites and the composition of the glass assemblages found there, an overview of the presence of HIMT glass on the Italian peninsula could be provided. To understand the specific dispersion of the glass, three main subjects, trade in the Mediterranean area, trade in Italy, and recycling practices are researched. The research concludes that the glass was shipped from Egypt into Italy via multiple ports and trade routes after which the glass was spread throughout Italy. HIMT glass was mostly used for common ware, because of its relatively low quality, and therefore also useful for recycling. Since this research is based on the existing publications of sites containing HIMT glass, future research could include looking at yet unpublished sites, the data from already published assemblages that have not been used for this thesis, and the possibility of regional differences in shapes of HIMT glass.Show less
The study of Indian Ocean archaeology has often focused on individual sites and has tended to focus primarily on connections between major port sites without the inclusion of smaller sites and the...Show moreThe study of Indian Ocean archaeology has often focused on individual sites and has tended to focus primarily on connections between major port sites without the inclusion of smaller sites and the spaces in between these major sites. Within this thesis I focus on the role of Sri Lanka within the broader context of the Indian Ocean trade networks. Sri Lanka has long been thought to have been a central point within these aforementioned trade networks due to its geographical location at the “center” of the Indian Ocean, coupled with its natural topography that made it an ideal safe port of call for ancient merchants. However, most of Sri Lanka’s prominence in this context is based off historical texts and sporadic archaeological evidence from major sites such as Mantai and Anuradhapura. This research will focus on a wider range of sites and archaeological evidence in order to see what exactly was Sri Lanka’s role within the broader Indian Ocean trade networks. In order to accomplish this I will create an overview of all the available evidence such as archaeological reports, scientific articles and publications related to this topic. Following this I will also provide suggestions for the continuation of this research so that it may benefit the wider academic community. These suggestions will include the application of digital techniques in the field such as LiDAR, in order to properly understand the spaces in between the major sites so that a more complete picture is gained rather than one that focuses mainly on famous urban sites. Alongside this I will also discuss methods to properly store and disseminate the data related to this research in a way that makes it more accessible to the wider academic community. Through the creation of an overview of all the available material as well as the aforementioned suggestions, I will provide a framework for the next steps to be taken in terms of research into Sri Lanka’s role in the Indian Ocean trade networks.Show less
This thesis explores the extent to which Middle English Romances's readers could have been familiar with the botanical matters referenced within these tales. The data has been gathered from 6...Show moreThis thesis explores the extent to which Middle English Romances's readers could have been familiar with the botanical matters referenced within these tales. The data has been gathered from 6 Middle English Romances: Lay le Freine, Sir Thopas, The Knight's Tale, Athelston, The Awntyrs off Arthur, and The Romaunt of the Rose. The research also includes explorations of non-romance texts and archaeobotanical results to discuss the presence of botanical matters in multiple facets of the lives of contemporary readers of the Middle English Romances.Show less
This paper provides a preliminary critical review of current academia as it regards contact between the Roman Empire and Han imperial China, during roughly the 3rd century B.C.E. until the 3rd...Show moreThis paper provides a preliminary critical review of current academia as it regards contact between the Roman Empire and Han imperial China, during roughly the 3rd century B.C.E. until the 3rd century C.E., with the purpose of re-evaluating currently accepted facts on the basis of archaeological case studies. Archaeological case studies on the topics of Roman glass, coins, and cloth found in or en route to Han China were examined against a background of ancient written sources and modern academic writing on the topic of the ancient Silk Road network and contact between the Roman Empire and Han China. The results show Roman glass items found together with locally produced glass from coastal sites in southeast China and the Xinjiang area. Quite a few metal pendants imitating Roman coins were found in sites along the coasts of Thailand and Vietnam, particularly the Isthmus of Khra. A genuine Roman coin used as a pendant in a similar fashion was also found in Pangkung Paruk on the island of Bali. Cloth from Xiongnu tombs displaying both Hellenic and Han Chinese style elements was also found in the Xinjiang area. These finds shed light on the nature of interaction between the Roman Empire and Han China, and the objects that made the entire journey in all likelihood more often than people did. Most importantly, they contribute to the larger framework of exchange and interaction along the Silk Road network, and fill in some blanks in an often-neglected region of this topic. The need for further (re-)examination of such finds is evident.Show less
Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
open access
2021-09-25T00:00:00Z
The status and political organization of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (c. 1600-1100 BC) is a controversial topic. On the one hand the king of Alashiya ‘Cyprus’ is mentioned as an equal to the...Show moreThe status and political organization of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (c. 1600-1100 BC) is a controversial topic. On the one hand the king of Alashiya ‘Cyprus’ is mentioned as an equal to the Egyptian King in the Amarna Letters. Various texts from Egypt, Hatti and Ugarit reveal the increasing activity of the island in the trade networks of the eastern Mediterranean area and its dominant role as a copper supplier. On the other hand, the archaeological data inside the island display a society with simple socio-economic structures. The few signs of economic intensification, surplus manipulation and craft specialization are not enough to prove the “supremacy” of a certain elite or even a king. The current study aims to investigate these data, identify the urban and administrative centers of Late Bronze Age Alashiya and to reconstruct the networks within the island and the Eastern periphery. The results of this survey will reveal possible hierarchy among the urban sites and attempt to clarify the political organization of Late Bronze Age Cyprus. Did the 'King of Alashiya' truly exist?Show less
Classical past and its material evocations continue to play a vital role in both Greek national imagination and the collective subconscious of Greek society. At the same time, racial discrimination...Show moreClassical past and its material evocations continue to play a vital role in both Greek national imagination and the collective subconscious of Greek society. At the same time, racial discrimination and xenophobic feelings are on the rise due to recent increase in migration and refugee flows mainly from Asia and Africa. Still, the colonial undercurrents concerning the connection of Greece with classical antiquity and its more recent Ottoman past are in a considerable degree unrecognized. The analytical tools available in postcolonial archaeology and its broader theoretical framework offer a more nuanced comprehension of colonialism and its complex nature and effects. Drawing therefore upon postcolonial studies, this thesis examines the development of archaeology in Ottoman Greece in conjunction with colonialist and nationalist discourses and practices, and critiques the colonial reverberations evident in present archaeological research.Show less
