Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology

The Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology program examines cultural expressions from non-literate periods (prehistory and protohistory) that are accessible through archaeological methodology, as well as periods of early history that are only partially illuminated by written sources. These early historical phases of human history, which began at different times depending on the region, show significant overlaps with historical disciplines.

The source material for Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology consists of tangible remnants of the past: archaeological monuments, artifacts, and features. Based on a detailed chronological, spatial, and cultural analysis of the material remains available from various epochs, researchers aim to reconstruct and explain historical events, structures, and processes within the context of the respective natural environments. They seek to understand both material and immaterial culture, living conditions, social structures, and developmental trends of prehistoric and early historical societies, as well as to explore the conditions and consequences of their specific interactions with the environment. The central role of analogical reasoning—drawing comparisons between observable or well-documented past states and processes and prehistoric and early historical contexts—creates close connections with other historical, cultural, and natural science disciplines.

Due to its specific sources, Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology is closely related to other archaeological fields, such as Classical Archaeology, Archaeology and History of the Roman Provinces, and Near Eastern Archaeology. Additionally, disciplines such as Early and Medieval History, Ethnology, Cultural Anthropology, European Ethnology, Art History, Botany, Zoology, Physical Anthropology, Geology, Physical and Human Geography, Pedology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics make important contributions to the field.

While the technical and theoretical-methodological tools of this discipline are applicable worldwide, the Department of Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology at Goethe University focuses on European, Asian, and African prehistory and early history, as well as archaeobotany. These areas also form the core of the research-oriented master’s program in Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology at Goethe University.

The course in Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology is designed to enable students to independently formulate scholarly research questions, address them through self-directed, critical analysis using appropriate techniques, methods, and theories, and present their findings in a scientifically sound and appropriate written and oral format.

Specifically, the following academic goals are to be pursued:

• A sufficient familiarity with the history and current state of knowledge in Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology  
• A broad and adequately detailed understanding of sources, differentiated by subject, chronological, and regional aspects, covering the major prehistoric and early historical periods of Europe (Old, Middle, and New Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Early History)  
  Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of non-European Prehistoric and Early History  
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge specific to the discipline and its scientific foundations  
• Mastery of key concepts and terminology relevant to the field, as well as the most important cultural and natural scientific methods  
• The ability to critically reflect on the possibilities and limitations of Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology  

For further information about the minor in Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology, please visit the department’s webpage.