Post-medieval archaeology is a term used in Europe to describe the study of the material past over the last 500 years. The field is also referred to as historical archaeology , a term originating in North America, and common in countries impacted by European colonialism . It is closely related to industrial archaeology and contemporary archaeology . Many scholars have found a connection between post-medieval and contemporary archaeology particularly in how scholars can view their archaeological study and apply in their own present contexts. It is also crucial by studying both post-medieval and contemporary archaeology that it can benefit the future of archaeology, particularly as scholars can apply the studies in more recent periods as time progresses.
67-515: Initially post-medieval archaeology did not extend its studies past the mid 18th century, though as a result of subsequent critiques within the field this cut-off date has been discarded, and the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology , Europe's leading professional society for the period, now explicitly considers its remit to be "the archaeology of the post-medieval world up to the present day and beyond". The emergence of post-medieval archaeology began in
134-509: A better understanding of way of living. In a book titled ‘The Archaeology of Post-medieval Religion’, it strives to understand post-medieval religion, which can benefit study into other factors of post-medieval life such as the role of gender and other cultural aspects. A majority of research articles about this study of archaeology can be credited to the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology. Another aspect of post-medieval archaeology finds that there
201-458: A better understanding of way of living. In a book titled ‘The Archaeology of Post-medieval Religion’, it strives to understand post-medieval religion, which can benefit study into other factors of post-medieval life such as the role of gender and other cultural aspects. A majority of research articles about this study of archaeology can be credited to the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology. Another aspect of post-medieval archaeology finds that there
268-457: A connection between post-medieval and contemporary archaeology particularly in how scholars can view their archaeological study and apply in their own present contexts. It is also crucial by studying both post-medieval and contemporary archaeology that it can benefit the future of archaeology, particularly as scholars can apply the studies in more recent periods as time progresses. Initially post-medieval archaeology did not extend its studies past
335-1403: A firmer footing in the UK and Europe than it does in North America, or at least it is not an especially recognizable scholarly niche quite yet in the US. The work of scholars in the UK and Europe has turned to some materiality that is admittedly distinctive if not unique, such as the extensive scholarship of the landscapes of 20th century warfare (for instance, English Heritage’s ambitious Cold War Monuments project, Gabriel Moshenska’s work on British air raid shelters and children’s homefront experiences of World War II, Heinrich Natho’s study of Norwegian World War II coastal defenses, and Alfredo Gonzalez-Ruibal’s analysis of Spanish Civil War Monuments); Laura McAtackney’s work on “peace walls” in northern Ireland; Anna Badcock and Robert Johnston's study of protest camp sites in Derbyshire; and contemporary graffiti (Paul Graves-Brown and John Schofield have cleverly captivated many journalists and questioned what archaeologists value with their assessment of Sex Pistols graffiti). Yet for all these distinctive dimensions of British and European heritage we could certainly point to just as many equally interesting material experiences in every corner of North America. Some of
402-452: A particularly productive niche by focusing on field excavation and everyday materiality, and much of our training is devoted to field methods and analysis of a distinctive range of commodities like ceramics, glass, and faunal remains that are routinely recovered from excavation contexts on nearly any historic period site. Despite a history reaching back as far, at least, as William Rathje's "garbology" project, Contemporary archaeology remains
469-480: A term which had been isolated in certain European settings. This is due to how the study of post-medieval archaeology can be viewed as an umbrella term in how it covers various periods of history. However, it is important to recognise the subject matter in a study of post-medieval archaeology and question how post-medieval archaeology can be displayed in a general term. Throughout the study of post-medieval archaeology, it
536-427: A term which had been isolated in certain European settings. This is due to how the study of post-medieval archaeology can be viewed as an umbrella term in how it covers various periods of history. However, it is important to recognise the subject matter in a study of post-medieval archaeology and question how post-medieval archaeology can be displayed in a general term. Throughout the study of post-medieval archaeology, it
603-405: Is a focus on a fresh perspective in archaeological approaches. This is due to how discussions surrounding contemporary archaeological matters influence a better appreciation for the past and thus influencing archaeological research. The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology is an ongoing leading society regarding the study of historical archaeology in the post-medieval period. It is a society which
670-404: Is a focus on a fresh perspective in archaeological approaches. This is due to how discussions surrounding contemporary archaeological matters influence a better appreciation for the past and thus influencing archaeological research. The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology is an ongoing leading society regarding the study of historical archaeology in the post-medieval period. It is a society which
737-422: Is argued that it can be practised without written sources, that it primarily functions on the physical grand artefacts. Just like the study of history, post-medieval archaeology can benefit from the use of written sources. Additionally, the study of post-medieval archaeology goes beyond merely studying artefacts. It benefits to study the role of religion and other aspects which benefit archaeologists in gaining
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#1732858911056804-421: Is argued that it can be practised without written sources, that it primarily functions on the physical grand artefacts. Just like the study of history, post-medieval archaeology can benefit from the use of written sources. Additionally, the study of post-medieval archaeology goes beyond merely studying artefacts. It benefits to study the role of religion and other aspects which benefit archaeologists in gaining
871-561: Is conflict regarding the way that the term contemporary is interpreted in archaeology. Through the initial research of this debate of what to label as contemporary, academics and archaeologists rely on public research and social support for mainstream archaeological aide. Contemporary archaeology links with post-medieval archaeology as it is rooted on the future of studying archaeology. Through various studies which archaeologists have done, many of them including Hilary Orange who conducted research on artificial light in relation to her studies finds
938-559: Is conflict regarding the way that the term contemporary is interpreted in archaeology. Through the initial research of this debate of what to label as contemporary, academics and archaeologists rely on public research and social support for mainstream archaeological aide. Contemporary archaeology links with post-medieval archaeology as it is rooted on the future of studying archaeology. Through various studies which archaeologists have done, many of them including Hilary Orange who conducted research on artificial light in relation to her studies finds
1005-530: Is now often extended into the reign of the Tudor monarchs and the boundary between the two eras is not precise. As with all attempts to neatly periodise the archaeological record, efforts to impose an exact date on the transition are doomed to be questioned by current and new findings. As there is the urge to learn more about post-medieval archaeology in Europe, there is an additional urge to explore post-medieval archaeology in
1072-662: Is referred to as the “new France”. Through the study of post-medieval archaeology in France, it can be linked to Canadian archaeology through France’s expansion in Canada. A great number of archaeology studies were undertaken in these archaeological sites such as the Fortress of Louisburg and other urban estates in Canada after France claimed territory. With this information, it expands the knowledge of post-medieval archaeology and drifts it away from being mainly focused on Europe and more expansive in
1139-512: Is referred to as the “new France”. Through the study of post-medieval archaeology in France, it can be linked to Canadian archaeology through France’s expansion in Canada. A great number of archaeology studies were undertaken in these archaeological sites such as the Fortress of Louisburg and other urban estates in Canada after France claimed territory. With this information, it expands the knowledge of post-medieval archaeology and drifts it away from being mainly focused on Europe and more expansive in
1206-423: Is the study of battle and conflict. These areas of study blend the two areas of archaeology together as well as providing further study conducted by academics and archaeologists. Contemporary archaeology is crucial through the study of urban archaeology, as it furthers understanding regarding material dynamics in past living conditions. This information can thus be related to our own way of living and further enhance
1273-421: Is the study of battle and conflict. These areas of study blend the two areas of archaeology together as well as providing further study conducted by academics and archaeologists. Contemporary archaeology is crucial through the study of urban archaeology, as it furthers understanding regarding material dynamics in past living conditions. This information can thus be related to our own way of living and further enhance
1340-532: The 1944 Normandy Campaign , in which archaeologists’ study both the battlefield and its artefacts but also the urbanisation of that period. Furthermore, the use of post-medieval archaeology in France can be expanded based on colonialism. There are French archaeology sites that extend beyond France, such as the Saint-Louis forts and chateaux site in Canada which allows archaeologists to examine French expansion and what
1407-430: The 1944 Normandy Campaign , in which archaeologists’ study both the battlefield and its artefacts but also the urbanisation of that period. Furthermore, the use of post-medieval archaeology in France can be expanded based on colonialism. There are French archaeology sites that extend beyond France, such as the Saint-Louis forts and chateaux site in Canada which allows archaeologists to examine French expansion and what
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#17328589110561474-566: The Rose Theatre in London and Fort Amherst in Chatham . The emergence of post-medieval archaeology was first recognised in the 1970s in Europe. Before there had been no specific studies associated with this archaeological term. Considering prior to World War II , the use of archaeology wasn’t presented to examine the history and artefacts of Europe. This emergence of the term post-medieval archaeology
1541-415: The Rose Theatre in London and Fort Amherst in Chatham . The emergence of post-medieval archaeology was first recognised in the 1970s in Europe. Before there had been no specific studies associated with this archaeological term. Considering prior to World War II , the use of archaeology wasn’t presented to examine the history and artefacts of Europe. This emergence of the term post-medieval archaeology
1608-429: The 13th century and expanded through the post-medieval period. Contemporary archaeology Contemporary archaeology is a field of archaeological research that focuses on the most recent (20th and 21st century) past, and also increasingly explores the application of archaeological thinking to the contemporary world. It has also been referred to as the archaeology of the 'contemporary past'. The use of this term in
1675-473: The 13th century and expanded through the post-medieval period. Post-medieval Post-medieval archaeology is a term used in Europe to describe the study of the material past over the last 500 years. The field is also referred to as historical archaeology , a term originating in North America, and common in countries impacted by European colonialism . It is closely related to industrial archaeology and contemporary archaeology . Many scholars have found
1742-503: The 20th century by exploring primarily European cultures such as Germany, France, The Mediterranean, and Scandinavia. This was done after World War II , where archaeology was primarily focused on richer countries in Europe such as Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Ever since then, there has been an emergence in studying post-medieval archaeology which has expanded along with the expansion of access to education and differing educational studies. This emergence of archaeology has also expanded
1809-847: The United Kingdom is particularly associated with the Contemporary and Historical Archaeology in Theory (CHAT) conference group. The field forms part of historical archaeology , or the archaeology of the modern period. Unlike ethnoarchaeology , contemporary archaeology studies the recent and contemporary past in its own right, rather than to develop models that can inform the study of the more distant past. Often informed by anthropological material culture studies , but characterised by putting traditional archaeological methods and practices to new uses, research in this field generally aims to make an archaeological contribution to broader social scientific studies of
1876-413: The archaeological record, efforts to impose an exact date on the transition are doomed to be questioned by current and new findings. As there is the urge to learn more about post-medieval archaeology in Europe, there is an additional urge to explore post-medieval archaeology in the wider world. Archaeologists and historians are hoping to expand the study of post-medieval archaeology to help better learn about
1943-462: The characteristics of diverse and rapid change across micro and macro scales by using a range of conventional and experimental archaeology investigative techniques. Like all archaeological scholarship and practice, contemporary archaeology uses both inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning approaches, which can include archaeological modelling. Quentin Lewis recognized, contemporary archaeology has
2010-456: The contemporary world, focusing especially upon contributing methods of studying material things (objects, landscapes, buildings, material heritage, etc.) to sociological, geographical and political studies of the modern world. The field has developed especially in heritage management, for example through English Heritage 's "Change and Creation" programme on the landscapes of the later 20th century. As such, contemporary archaeology aims to explore
2077-445: The continued research of post-medieval archaeology, many academics including those in the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, have found a connection between the post-medieval and contemporary archaeology . As the discovery of post-medieval archaeology has emerged, there is a link with contemporary archaeology as it encourages archaeologists to look at their current lives and the way they engage with archaeological study. Additionally,
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2144-444: The continued research of post-medieval archaeology, many academics including those in the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, have found a connection between the post-medieval and contemporary archaeology . As the discovery of post-medieval archaeology has emerged, there is a link with contemporary archaeology as it encourages archaeologists to look at their current lives and the way they engage with archaeological study. Additionally,
2211-403: The continued study of archaeology. The study of post-medieval archaeology was initially used to examine European cultures following the medieval period. Whilst post-medieval archaeology has a strong presence in learning about archaeology in Europe, there is an urge to delve deeper in learning about archaeology in other parts of the world. The post-medieval archaeology of Germany can be linked to
2278-403: The continued study of archaeology. The study of post-medieval archaeology was initially used to examine European cultures following the medieval period. Whilst post-medieval archaeology has a strong presence in learning about archaeology in Europe, there is an urge to delve deeper in learning about archaeology in other parts of the world. The post-medieval archaeology of Germany can be linked to
2345-405: The different practices of archaeology and how the study of archaeology is accessed. For the future, the study of post-medieval archaeology is an ongoing practice which archaeologists are striving to uncover and connect with differing archaeological studies. During the beginnings of the study of post-medieval archaeology, there has been an issue regarding how to define the subject, and even had become
2412-404: The different practices of archaeology and how the study of archaeology is accessed. For the future, the study of post-medieval archaeology is an ongoing practice which archaeologists are striving to uncover and connect with differing archaeological studies. During the beginnings of the study of post-medieval archaeology, there has been an issue regarding how to define the subject, and even had become
2479-563: The expansion of access to education and differing educational studies. This emergence of archaeology has also expanded the field of archaeological study and has allowed further study in the field of archaeology. The traditional date for the beginning of the post-medieval period in Britain has been 1485 when, following the Battle of Bosworth , the Tudor dynasty took the throne. In practice, the medieval period
2546-452: The field of archaeological study and has allowed further study in the field of archaeology. The traditional date for the beginning of the post-medieval period in Britain has been 1485 when, following the Battle of Bosworth , the Tudor dynasty took the throne. In practice, the medieval period is now often extended into the reign of the Tudor monarchs and the boundary between the two eras is not precise. As with all attempts to neatly periodise
2613-595: The many sites in Lisbon. This includes the remains of buildings that were due to the 1775 Lisbon earthquake . Post-medieval archaeology of Portugal also extends beyond Portugal itself. The discovery of Portuguese pottery was examined in Southampton, England . This artefact of Merida-type ware was presented in an assemblage in Southampton. Whilst there is no accurate dating, it is believed that these importations to England began in
2680-438: The many sites in Lisbon. This includes the remains of buildings that were due to the 1775 Lisbon earthquake . Post-medieval archaeology of Portugal also extends beyond Portugal itself. The discovery of Portuguese pottery was examined in Southampton, England . This artefact of Merida-type ware was presented in an assemblage in Southampton. Whilst there is no accurate dating, it is believed that these importations to England began in
2747-415: The mid 18th century, though as a result of subsequent critiques within the field this cut-off date has been discarded, and the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology , Europe's leading professional society for the period, now explicitly considers its remit to be "the archaeology of the post-medieval world up to the present day and beyond". The emergence of post-medieval archaeology began in the second half of
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2814-677: The post-medieval period. Aspects such as Christian burials were considered important artefacts in this period, even though it came with its own complications, it produced research for burial grounds in Germany. The post-medieval archaeology of Italy was first researched in the 1960s and 1970s to investigate archaeological evidence. Eventually there was a growing pursuit to study not only post-medieval archaeology but also rural archaeology specifically in urban parts of Italy. Through post-medieval archaeology, archaeologists found many artefacts which can be classified in this period of study. In addition, there
2881-625: The post-medieval period. Aspects such as Christian burials were considered important artefacts in this period, even though it came with its own complications, it produced research for burial grounds in Germany. The post-medieval archaeology of Italy was first researched in the 1960s and 1970s to investigate archaeological evidence. Eventually there was a growing pursuit to study not only post-medieval archaeology but also rural archaeology specifically in urban parts of Italy. Through post-medieval archaeology, archaeologists found many artefacts which can be classified in this period of study. In addition, there
2948-418: The present day about the reputation and the way that the society strives to engage with this study of archaeology. This links to the recent discussions about the society including archaeology which leads up to the present day. The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology’s response shows that it is inclusive of all archaeological studies in striving to promote their enthusiasm for the study of archaeology. Through
3015-417: The present day about the reputation and the way that the society strives to engage with this study of archaeology. This links to the recent discussions about the society including archaeology which leads up to the present day. The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology’s response shows that it is inclusive of all archaeological studies in striving to promote their enthusiasm for the study of archaeology. Through
3082-403: The relationship between the methods of post-medieval and contemporary archaeology. Ultimately, both of these studies of archaeology are being examined for future use, which intrigues many archaeologists and those in the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology. Additionally, there are certain areas of study in archaeology which can draw a connection between post-medieval and contemporary. One of these
3149-402: The relationship between the methods of post-medieval and contemporary archaeology. Ultimately, both of these studies of archaeology are being examined for future use, which intrigues many archaeologists and those in the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology. Additionally, there are certain areas of study in archaeology which can draw a connection between post-medieval and contemporary. One of these
3216-468: The rise in contemporary archaeology allowed for archaeologists and people studying to be able to examine their own way of living in the present moment. The term contemporary archaeology is a term which doesn’t display clarity in what period of archaeology it examines. According to the Post-Medieval Archaeology journal, it examines that the role of ‘contemporary’ is lacking, in the way that there
3283-399: The rise in contemporary archaeology allowed for archaeologists and people studying to be able to examine their own way of living in the present moment. The term contemporary archaeology is a term which doesn’t display clarity in what period of archaeology it examines. According to the Post-Medieval Archaeology journal, it examines that the role of ‘contemporary’ is lacking, in the way that there
3350-401: The second half of the 20th century by exploring primarily European cultures such as Germany, France, The Mediterranean, and Scandinavia. This was done after World War II , where archaeology was primarily focused on richer countries in Europe such as Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Ever since then, there has been an emergence in studying post-medieval archaeology which has expanded along with
3417-525: The study of World War II in Nazi Germany , as it is a subject with ongoing study and inquiry. The study of post-medieval archaeology can be used to examine the archaeology of Nazi Germany in relation to the populations and human activity of the Nazi region during the period before and during World War II. Additionally, the study of post-medieval archaeology has brought about a new finding for artefacts which came from
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#17328589110563484-423: The study of World War II in Nazi Germany , as it is a subject with ongoing study and inquiry. The study of post-medieval archaeology can be used to examine the archaeology of Nazi Germany in relation to the populations and human activity of the Nazi region during the period before and during World War II. Additionally, the study of post-medieval archaeology has brought about a new finding for artefacts which came from
3551-413: The visibility of contemporary archaeology is inevitably linked to a British and European willingness to conduct material analysis that does not require excavation. Outside North America a vast number of scholars call themselves archaeologists while studying space, the built environment, and a broad range of material things without necessarily wielding a trowel. In the US historical archaeology has fashioned
3618-478: The way of life after the medieval period. Given the relatively strong historical record running alongside the archaeological one, post-medieval archaeology is often strongly positioned to study the effects of known social and political change. The immediacy of the period means that it appeals in fields such as genealogy as well as to students of social history . Post-medieval sites include Nonsuch Palace in Surrey ,
3685-570: The wider world. The beginnings of studying post-medieval archaeology in Portugal began in the 1980s and yet it was a while before it was recognised as an academic field of archaeological study. The post-medieval archaeology of Portugal is predominantly focused on the periods between the 16th and 18th century. It is additionally notable for its distinct artefacts which have been found which many appear to be imported from places outside of Portugal. A big factor concerning post-medieval archaeology of Portugal
3752-517: The wider world. The beginnings of studying post-medieval archaeology in Portugal began in the 1980s and yet it was a while before it was recognised as an academic field of archaeological study. The post-medieval archaeology of Portugal is predominantly focused on the periods between the 16th and 18th century. It is additionally notable for its distinct artefacts which have been found which many appear to be imported from places outside of Portugal. A big factor concerning post-medieval archaeology of Portugal
3819-564: The wider world. Archaeologists and historians are hoping to expand the study of post-medieval archaeology to help better learn about the way of life after the medieval period. Given the relatively strong historical record running alongside the archaeological one, post-medieval archaeology is often strongly positioned to study the effects of known social and political change. The immediacy of the period means that it appeals in fields such as genealogy as well as to students of social history . Post-medieval sites include Nonsuch Palace in Surrey ,
3886-440: Was an environmental focus for post-medieval archaeology which has influenced the ways of studying the land management during this period. The post-medieval archaeology of France is extensive in relation to France’s vast history. Like the general pursuit of archaeology, the study of post-medieval archaeology in France commenced in the late 1960s. French post-medieval archaeology can extend up to World War II, with campaigns including
3953-439: Was an environmental focus for post-medieval archaeology which has influenced the ways of studying the land management during this period. The post-medieval archaeology of France is extensive in relation to France’s vast history. Like the general pursuit of archaeology, the study of post-medieval archaeology in France commenced in the late 1960s. French post-medieval archaeology can extend up to World War II, with campaigns including
4020-405: Was crucial in revealing parts of Europe which hadn’t gained full recognition and by further expanding the story of these European countries. It was also crucial in expanding further knowledge of Europe, which would benefit for tourism opportunities. For present day, the exploration of post-medieval archaeology continues to be explored. There is an expansion in the way that archaeologists take part in
4087-404: Was crucial in revealing parts of Europe which hadn’t gained full recognition and by further expanding the story of these European countries. It was also crucial in expanding further knowledge of Europe, which would benefit for tourism opportunities. For present day, the exploration of post-medieval archaeology continues to be explored. There is an expansion in the way that archaeologists take part in
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#17328589110564154-435: Was on British archaeology, yet there is a desire to explore further archaeology in Europe through the post-medieval period. In present day, the expansion of this society has grown to include the study of post-medieval archaeology outside of Europe. The society produces a journal titled ‘Post-Medieval Archaeology’, which archives all types of post-medieval archaeology from around the world. There have been additional discussions in
4221-435: Was on British archaeology, yet there is a desire to explore further archaeology in Europe through the post-medieval period. In present day, the expansion of this society has grown to include the study of post-medieval archaeology outside of Europe. The society produces a journal titled ‘Post-Medieval Archaeology’, which archives all types of post-medieval archaeology from around the world. There have been additional discussions in
4288-489: Was stemmed from the Post-Medieval Ceramic Research Group, which was established in the 1960s. With this establishment, there was a gradual increase in their influence, however in the beginning they experienced financial difficulties in relation to printing research papers and articles. The 1970s saw a period of inflation which hugely affected the production of research. The initial focus for this society
4355-408: Was stemmed from the Post-Medieval Ceramic Research Group, which was established in the 1960s. With this establishment, there was a gradual increase in their influence, however in the beginning they experienced financial difficulties in relation to printing research papers and articles. The 1970s saw a period of inflation which hugely affected the production of research. The initial focus for this society
4422-495: Was through the Carnation Revolution in which Portuguese people became more intrigued by their culture and urban archaeology. Following this, there were certain laws which allowed archaeological study as well as construction work, which displayed a lacking in the study as many archaeologists didn’t appear to have a background in medieval or post-medieval history. Notable factors of post-medieval archaeology in Portugal include
4489-432: Was through the Carnation Revolution in which Portuguese people became more intrigued by their culture and urban archaeology. Following this, there were certain laws which allowed archaeological study as well as construction work, which displayed a lacking in the study as many archaeologists didn’t appear to have a background in medieval or post-medieval history. Notable factors of post-medieval archaeology in Portugal include
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