Projects / Programmes
Archaeological and Archaeometric Research of Portable Archaeological Heritage
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2021
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.02.00 |
Humanities |
Archaeology |
|
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| H340 |
Humanities |
Archaeology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 6.01 |
Humanities |
History and Archaeology |
Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Early Middle Ages, small finds, hoards, cult places, Celtic coinage, Roman militaria, Roman camps, Roman battlefields, the River Ljubljanica, Nadleški hrib, Early Mediaeval glass, archaeometry, PIXE, PIGE, XRF
Researchers (14)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The contents of the proposed research programme continuation includes an investigation of archaeological small finds and sites from Slovenia (and Croatia – in the field of numismatics), covering the period from the Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages. The focus of the study programme is small finds but it will also include fieldwork, especially non-destructive survey methods of archaeological sites.
Previous results of our inter-institutional research programme, which has been ongoing since 2004, has shown that the well-designed implementation of natural science methods in the study of archaeological small finds led to significant/relevant new findings. Therefore, we will also in the future implement natural science methods, in addition to traditional archaeological methods. A broad approach to the research of portable archaeological heritage is important for its universal evaluation and interpretation. It is also a prerequisite for either quality conservation or restoration of objects and their presentation to the general public together with research findings.
In the 2015–2021 period, in the field of prehistory we shall focus on the study of hoards from Bled (13th century BC), Dragomelj (11th century BC) and Kranj (8th century BC), site of the Iron Age cult practices at Berlotov rob (W Slovenia) and Celtic coinage from Slovenia and Croatia, especially the hoard of 1300 silver tetradrachmas of the Taurisci tribe from the vicinity of Samobor and small silver coins (change) of the same tribe. Late prehistory and the transition to the Roman period of the Notranjska region will be researched, which will include an investigation of the Roman military camp at Nadleški hrib. Research of the same period will also include a study of brooches from the 1st century BC; it will take into account our findings on the use of brass in the 1st century BC.
Our study of the Roman period shall include research and publication of the (mainly early Principate) weapons and other military equipment mostly from the River Ljubljanica, research into finds (with a large proportion of Roman military items) and their site contexts related to Roman military attacks, specifically to Octavian's Illyrian Wars (35-33 BC), in the Idrija-Cerkno area, and the publication of new discoveries from the late Roman control system Claustra Alpium Iuliarum. Research in the Early Middle Ages will focus on the archaeometric investigation of glass beads from graves on which the current dating of the Köttlach culture is based; we expect that it will provide relevant contribution to chronological issues related to the Köttlach culture.
Key words
Significance for science
Our research will contribute to the development of archeology of Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman period and the early Middle Ages, as well as numismatics. This work is particularly important for the integration of natural science methods in the study of small finds, and to the use the results of this research in the conservation and restoration of portable archaeological heritage.
The proposed research topics include archaeological small finds and sites from Slovenia and, in the field of numismatics, also Croatia, but we expect that the importance of the results would by far exceed 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 would give a better understanding of the period under discussion.
Integrating chemical analyses in the research of copper and copper alloy objects will continue to provide important evidence to the understanding of technological skills and exchange of metals in the Late Bronze Age central Europe.
Numismatic studies of the coinage of the Taurisci, a Celtic tribe, will give a clearer insight in the monetary system, economic and political history of the south-eastern Alpine region in the 2nd and 1st century BC.
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 proposed research 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, the late Roman control system Claustra Alpium Iuliarum and, as we assume that our future research would show, also the Roman camp at Nadleški hrib.
We assume that the planned continuation of archaeometric research on Early Medieval glass beads would contribute important evidence for dating of the Köttlach culture.
In our view the continuation of the research programme is 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 will contribute 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 integrate 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 – 1.7. 2014 the new Roman period exhibition will be opened, the other parts of the new permanent exhibition will follow gradually in the next years, and in the Bank of Slovenia), Hrušica, Tolmin and Sevnica, but also elsewhere. 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 also impacts substantially 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 form a part of our research programme are of great importance. In this field we are planning to continue our already well established collaboration with the Conservation Department of the National Museum of Slovenia, whose experience will be 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 will contribute to promoting Slovenia in the field of science. Incorporating the research programme findings into presentations for general audiences will further promote Slovenia.
The research programme content is included in the teaching at two Slovene universities, and early stage researchers are trained in the programme team, which will have an important influence on the education of young professionals.
In our view the continuation 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
2015,
interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report
