EXARC

People who study the past have a unique and broad perspective on humanity. With the challenges of the modern world, this deep understanding has never been more important in shaping our attitudes and responses. The University of Liverpool department for Archaeology, Classics, and Egyptology (ACE), in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research (ICSR) and Victoria Gallery and Museum, invite abstract and poster submissions for the hybrid conference “Lessons from the Past: UN Sustainability Goals” to be held on the 23rd and the 24th March, 2026. 👉 More here: https://lnkd.in/dAiH2KxY #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #conference

The 2025/2 EXARC Journal is out! This issue contains ten reviewed and three mixed matter articles. All articles in our Journal are open access to allow for free exchange of information in the fields of experimental archaeology, historical reconstruction, ancient technology, experiential studying and presenting of the past. 👉 As always, the articles cover a wide range of topics, read them all here: https://lnkd.in/dgxYydyq #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #EXARCjournal

The AFAV Annual Conference will be held in Saint-Alban-Auriolles on September 11–12, 2025, featuring talks by archaeologists, historians, and glass specialists on recent discoveries in ancient glass. To mark AFAV’s 40th anniversary, a major experimental archaeology event on historical glassmaking will follow at the Randa Ardesca archaeosite (Sept 13–14). 🔍 Live glassmaking demos 🔥 Reconstructed furnaces 🛠️ Artisans from across Europe 🎓 Workshops & school programs 💬 Lectures, crafts, and public engagement Join the conference to explore the story of glass from antiquity to the Middle Ages! #AFAV2025 #ExperimentalArchaeology #AncientGlass #LivingHistory #Archaeology #RandaArdesca #CulturalHeritage

At the Divje Babe I cave site in Slovenia, a cave bear femur with carefully aligned perforations may represent the oldest known musical instrument, dating back over 50,000 years. Once dismissed as carnivore damage, new experimental archaeology shows the holes could only have been made using Neanderthal stone and bone tools. On replicas of the instrument, musicians have performed complex techniques like trills, glissandi, broken chords, and even chromatic scales, revealing musical capabilities rivaling modern wind instruments. Read the full article on EXARC Journal: https://lnkd.in/dkE4wFd9 Article from Matija Turk, Giuliano Bastiani. #Neanderthal #ExperimentalArchaeology #Paleolithic #MusicArchaeology #DivjeBabe #Archaeology #HumanEvolution #Prehistory #BoneFlute #AncientMusic

Archaeological open-air museums are found in many countries around the world. They host reconstructed buildings based on archaeological data, offering visitors a chance to see how life may have been lived in the past and how different crafts and technologies functioned. While they are not always located on original archaeological sites, they are grounded in evidence and research. These museums aim to make the past tangible and accessible, not just as a historical lesson, but as a tool for understanding our present. They serve as gathering points for local communities and visitors alike, encouraging reflection on the resources and skills once required to produce everyday objects. In doing so, they highlight the value of sustainable practices and promote awareness of overconsumption and waste in the modern world. What is YOUR favourite Archaeological Open-Air Museum? #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #AOAM #museums

In the summer of 2019, a series of experiments was conducted to clarify the nature of copper production during the Bronze Age at the Pyrgos–Mavroraki site in Cyprus. Analysis of the site’s structures and associated finds revealed the existence of a sophisticated manufacturing complex, where metalworking was just one of several specialized activities within a multifaceted production system. The question of when Cyprus began producing and exporting copper, however, remains unanswered. Although Cyprus was engaged in early, small-scale attempts at copper production, contemporary civilizations in the Aegean islands, Anatolia, and the Levant possessed more advanced technologies for smelting and casting copper alloys. Read the full article on EXARC Journal: https://lnkd.in/dDePdwzp 📄 from Maria Rosaria Belgiorno, Livio Pontieri. #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #copper #cyprus #Bronzeage

Avalon Archaeology is an open air museum near Glastonbury in Somerset, run by the SW Heritage Trust charity. Over a period of 15 years a dedicated volunteer group have built a series of buildings of different periods. These include the winter dining-room of a Roman villa (with hypocaust, frescoes and mosaic floor), a 9th century AD Saxon longhall and an Iron Age roundhouse, which is being built at the moment. There is also a waterline replica of the Skudelev 3 Viking trading ship from Roskilde. #EXARC #experimentalarcheology #AOAM #Avalon

Paleoart and historical illustration represent an intersection of science and creativity, a way of giving form to the past based on historical and archaeological sources.These engaging visual narratives share much in common with experimental archaeology, where sources and interpretation go hand in hand. Ettore Mazza, paleoartist and comic artist, was recently interviewed by EXARC, where he shared his personal journey and how he combines art, archaeology, and his big passion for Prehistory. 👉Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dAmSfWaN #EXARC #experimentalarcheology #paleoart #historicalillustration

At Museum Batavialand you uncover hidden stories through three unique experiences: step aboard the reconstructed VOC ship Batavia, explore historic craftsmanship at the shipyard, and dive into the history of Flevoland in our exhibition hall.   Step aboard the Batavia, a stunning reconstruction of a 17th-century VOC ship. Feel the wooden planks beneath your feet, hear the creaking of the hull, and be transported to an era of adventure and craftsmanship. Every detail, from the rigging to the cannons, tells a story of life at sea.   Explore 4,000 m² of exhibition space and journey through Flevoland’s history–from the prehistoric Swifterbant culture to modern land reclamation. Admire unique finds, including a real 18th-century shipwreck, experience the 60-meter-long Flevo Wall, or dive into the Water Theater.   Experience craftsmanship in action at our shipyard. Watch blacksmiths, woodcarvers, and sailmakers work using 17th-century techniques. With these traditional methods, they are reconstructing a 400-year-old ship. #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #AOAMs #VOC #reconstruction

Alex Iles (EXARC Member, UK) is planning to create a multi-period living history site in North East England. He’s gathering information about Archaeological Open-Air Museums and wants to learn from others’ experiences. If you’re involved in running or supporting such a site, please take a moment to fill out his short survey and help shape this exciting project! 👉 https://lnkd.in/dYMD6HAH #EXARC #experimentalarchaeology #community #AOAMs