Archaeology

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The research programme provides permanent care for the development and application of modern methods and techniques in recording and analyzing archaeological data on one hand, and for the development and application of modern interpretive concepts and models on the other. The interdisciplinary orientation and the embedment within the international research networks enable a constant reflexion and consideration of cognitive and interpretative possibilities and limits of modern archaeological research work in Slovenia and worldwide. Our efforts coincide with the marked interest by the research community in deployment of interdisciplinary and noninvasive techniques at complex sites. Our point there is that this should not be just an ancillary exercise to direct excavation programs. Rather than non-reflected linear piling of data layers, this research must be structured and follow research goals of its own. The interdisciplinary research focus on artefact assemblages establishes a permanent cooperation between humanistic and natural sciences. It helps to create a new data infrastructure and interpretative premises that vitally contribute to the international scientific discussions regarding the longterm relations between people and environment, cultural, cognitive, social, economic, technological, settlement and other dynamics, agency and identity construction, chronologies etc..

The implementation of noninvasive research has made a rationalization of archaeological rescue operations possible. This research develops procedures to deploy at the most complex of sites, thereby contributing to the standards and methods to be used by heritage services. The results can also contribute to better understanding of the longterm relations between people and environment that may help sustainable and balanced spatial development of Slovenia. Its international context adds to the promotion of Slovenian science and widens the space for training of young specialists. The research approaches will be integrated in the Archaeology Curriculum at the University of Ljubljana.