Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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The medieval period marks a turning point in the history of human-animal relationships, since the proliferation of medieval cities throughout Europe resulted in an ever-increasing demand for animal...Show moreThe medieval period marks a turning point in the history of human-animal relationships, since the proliferation of medieval cities throughout Europe resulted in an ever-increasing demand for animal products, like foodstuffs and raw materials. However, in comparison with the prehistoric period, medieval human-animal relationships have received considerably less attention and have often primarily been focused on the economic aspects of these relationships. This thesis used radiocarbon- dated material from the medieval castle of Albarracín (Teruel, Spain) to study the intensity and character of human-animal relationships through time by comparing material from the Islamic (10th-11th century CE) and Christian (15th-16th century CE) periods. The results demonstrated the importance of functional animals, especially of domestic livestock, at the site in both periods and show how the role of these animals changed through time. The assemblage is dominated by caprines, particularly by sheep who played an important role in the development of transhumant movement in medieval Spain. Furthermore, the archaeofaunal data also shed light on non- economic relationships between humans and nonhuman animals, for instance on the role of domestic carnivores and wild birds as scavengers of organic debris deposited by humans in urban environments. These results highlight the importance of archaeozoological studies on medieval contexts, since they have the potential to contribute more than a purely economic perspective on historical human-animal relationships and how these developed through time.Show less
In this thesis, the current situation on the cooperation between archaeologists and building archaeologists is discussed. Several stakeholders have been taken into account, including educational...Show moreIn this thesis, the current situation on the cooperation between archaeologists and building archaeologists is discussed. Several stakeholders have been taken into account, including educational institutes, a selected amount of municipalities, the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE), private advice bureaus, an independent foundation as well as rules and regulations concerning both disciplines. Furthermore, several case studies have been outlined concerning proper and less proper integration of archaeological and building archaeological cooperation. Finally, an advice is provided on how conditions can be optimized to facilitate integrated cooperation of the two disciplines. One of the main conclusions is that archaeological research is recorded in the Monument Act (Monumentenwet 1988) and is therefore legally required. Building archaeology is, however, mostly carried out playing and advisory role and is not legally required. Leading from this, for archaeological research all kinds of rules and regulations exist and is furthermore organised into detail, also concerning education. This is in strong contrast with building archaeology which is only carried out on the basis of guidelines, is organised less extensively and is supported by almost no education. One of the main advices is given to the RCE. Here, only since 2009, the two disciplines are organised again under one governmental apparatus. Because of this, the two disciplines are not yet tuned in on each other comprehensively and there is still too much a dichotomy between the two disciplines on this level. The given advice is to let the RCE organise a special project (as has already taken place once) to let the two disciplines come closer together by discussing the opportunities that can be created in order to let cooperation go more smooth and to heave the unnecessary imaginary boundary between the two disciplines. Once archaeology and building archaeology are tuned in on each other better on the national level, the rest of the Dutch heritage management community will probably follow this lead.Show less
