Archaeology in Germany
Peoples through space and time
31 January until 2 March 2003
25 Years of Archaeological Research:
From Prehistory to the 20th Century This major exhibition on view in Berlin and Bonn presents the
most spectacular and exciting archaeological findings and excavation
discoveries in all 16 German federal states of the past 25 years.
More than 5000 findings document the history of humans and the earth
from primeval times up through the 20th century.
Votiv mask for a well, Archäologische Staatssammlung,
Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte, München
One of the many highlights of paleontology is represented by the impressive
fossils found at the Messel excavation site or by the first skeleton
remains of a predatory dinosaur to be found in Germany. Exciting new
excavations of Neanderthals, a well from the Neolithic Age, treasure
finds from the Bronze Age and rich burial sites from the Iron Age
throw light on prehistoric eras. The Celtic princely graves in Hochdorf
and Glauberg are also sensational discoveries. Other interesting themes
in the exhibition revolve around the defeat of Varus in the Teutoburg
Forest near today’s Kalkriese, the princely Germanic graves
in Hagenow and Gommern, the early medieval settlement of Lauchheim
and excavations of medieval findings in Lübeck. World War II
remains uncovered by archaeological excavations also throw light on
recent history.
A Particular Archaeological Experience The exhibition’s unconventional design deviates from the
usual custom. As an archaeological presentation of a different kind,
this exhibition leads the visitor into a fascinating world caught
between the past and the future.
Golden brooche
in form of a cross, Archäologisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart
A Presentation of Archaeology’s
Achievements Archaeology presents itself as a modern science in all of its
facets and associated disciplines. Underwater archaeology with its
special conditions is addressed here as well as archaeological research
undertaken from the air, insights gained from large-scale excavations
of settlements, the importance of town center archaeology, or the
meaningfulness of mining archaeology. Novel dating methods, restoration
techniques and prospecting methods facilitate an increasingly detailed
view into the past.
More than 50 scholars from the fields of historic preservation, museums
and universities from all of the 16 German federal states were involved
in preparing this exhibition.
The Accompanying Book The 400-page book accompanying the exhibition is directed towards
the general public; it includes approximately 100 essays by more than
80 authors and is richly illustrated by 700 predominantly colored
images. The book provides an excellent overview of Germany’s
most important finds and discovery sites as well as the methods used
and the goals and tasks of archaeological historic preservation. The
accompanying book is available for 25 EURO.
The Berlin
Golden Hat, Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte, SMB-PK,
Berlin
