Projects / Programmes
Premična kulturna dediščina: arheološke in arheometrične raziskave (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
6.02.00 |
Humanities |
Archaeology |
|
1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
Code |
Science |
Field |
6.05 |
Humanities |
Other humanities |
Researchers (11)
Organisations (3)
Significance for science
Our research contributed to the development of archeology of Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman period and the early Middle Ages, as well as numismatics. This work was particularly important for the integration of natural science methods in the study of small finds, and for the use of the results of this research in the conservation and restoration of portable archaeological heritage. The research topics include archaeological small finds and sites from Slovenia and, in the field of numismatics, also Croatia, but the importance of the results by far exceede the mentioned geographical framework. Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages are important formation periods for social processes that lead to emergence of urban civilisations. Many features of metal hoarding in proto-urban centres of northern Italy and contemporaneous settlements in Slovenia reflect early appearances of cult activities. At the same time, several hoard features suggest that an important function of deposition in hoards was the temporary storage of valuable objects. Establishing similarities and differences in hoards of central and south European region gives a better understanding of the period under discussion. Integrating chemical analyses in the research of copper and copper alloy objects provides important evidence to the understanding of technological skills and exchange of metals in the Late Bronze Age central Europe. Numismatic studies of the 2nd and 1st century BC. coinage gave a clearer insight in the monetary system, economic and political history of the south-eastern Alpine region at the end of prehistory and the transition in the Roman period. Archaeometric research into the 1st century BC use of metals and alloys produced very good results, which are relevant for the whole Roman territory and its neighbourhood. Roman weapons and other military equipment of the late Republic and Principate are very similar all over the Roman world, which makes their research relevant to studies of Roman military equipment in general. Of special importance are closely dated sites with Roman military equipment (e.g. Kalkriese in Germany) or exceptional items (e.g. the sword scabbard with netlike fitments from the River Ljubljanica). Among the researched topics such sites include three sites related to the Roman military attacks dated to Octavian's Illyrian wars (35-33 BC) in the Idrija-Cerkno region, the River Ljubljanica and the late Roman control system Claustra Alpium Iuliarum. Archaeometric research on Early Medieval glass beads contributed important evidence for the dating of the Köttlach culture. In our view the activities carried out in the research programme was vital for the development of archaeological research in Slovenia, especially in the field of archaeometry and the research of small finds.
Significance for the country
Implementation of the research programme contributed to the positive development of Slovenia in the fields of economy, protection and promotion of cultural heritage, development of national awareness and education of young staff. As five programme team members are museum curators, they promptly and routinely integrated their research results into archaeological heritage-presentations for the general public (exhibitions, films, popular press releases, lectures, and media appearances). In economic terms, these activities contribute to the development of tourism, especially in Bled (exhibition at the Bled castle), Ljubljana (exhibitions in the National Museum of Slovenia, in the Bank of Slovenia), Hrušica, Sevnica and Tolmin. Socially, they strengthen the public’s awareness of the outstanding features of the archaeological heritage of Slovenia, a region with an important geostrategic location. The conduct of the research programme has also a substantial impact on the successful conservation of archaeological objects. In order to preserve portable archaeological heritage, especially metal objects that are susceptible to corrosion, its appropriate conservation is essential. While planning or performing it, the research and analytical processes that formed a part of our research programme were of great importance. In this field we continued our already well established collaboration with the Conservation Department of the National Museum of Slovenia, whose experience are also passed on to other conservators in the country. By publishing the research findings in world languages in internationally established journals and monographs, giving professional presentations at international conferences and participating in international projects, the implementation of the research programme contributed to promoting Slovenia in the field of science. Incorporating the research programme findings into presentations for general audiences further promoted Slovenia. The research programme content was included in the teaching at two Slovene universities, and five early stage researchers were trained in the programme team, which had an important influence on the education of young professionals. In our view the conduct of the research programme is vital for the development of archaeological research in Slovenia, especially in the field of archaeometry and research of small finds. It is also important for maintaining close ties between research and conservation of portable archaeological heritage.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si