Experiment Archaeology & Ancient Technologies

Using traditional and social scientific approaches, experimental archaeology investigates how people in the past built and occupied houses, managed and interacted with their landscapes, made objects using sophisticated knowledge of materials and how natural processes have impacted archaeological remains. It also enables us to reflect on past materialities through practical engagement with ancient technologies, which provides us embodied experiences of raw materials, processes and technologies not normally used today. For archaeologists interested in material culture, this module allows us to directly explore how archaeology truly is the “discipline of things”. This module introduces you to experimental archaeology and ancient technologies, through a field school held in the week immediately prior to Week 1 (Autumn Trimester) at the UCD Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture, at Roebuck, on the University College Dublin campus. You will participate in a range of practical experiments on houses, stone/flint, pottery, organics, food. You should attend in suitable clothing (boots, rain gear, etc) and bring their own supply of drinking water. You should also bring writing materials (pencil, notebook) and a camera. The module will be primarily assessed by means of a reflective learning journal and a project, whereby you make something and think about it in relation to archaeological evidence. Seminars during trimester will help you design, carry out, and report on your project. NB: The main practical component of this module is taught over a week long field school in the week immediately before the beginning of the Autumn Trimester. Correspondingly, you will need to plan to be on campus and available over this week. If you have speicifc orientation sessions that you wish to attend during this time please contact the Module Coordinator (brendan.oneill@ucd.ie) and arrangments can be made.