Peoples through space and time Archaeology in Germany 09.05 ...

Information on the Exhibition
25 Years of Archaeological Research: From Prehistory to the 20 th Century
This major exhibition on view in Berlin and Bonn presents the most spectacular and exciting
archaeological findings and excavation discoveries in all 16 German federal states of the past 25
years. More than 5000 findings document the history of humans and the earth from primeval times
up through the 20 th century.
One of the many highlights of paleontology is represented by the impressive fossils found at the
Messel excavation site or by the first skeleton remains of a predatory dinosaur to be found in
Germany. Exciting new excavations of Neanderthals, a well from the Neolithic Age, treasure finds
from the Bronze Age and rich burial sites from the Iron Age throw light on prehistoric eras. The
Celtic princely graves in Hochdorf and Glauberg are also sensational discoveries. Other interesting
themes in the exhibition revolve around the defeat of Varus in the Teutoburg Forest near today’s
Kalkriese, the princely Germanic graves in Hagenow and Gommern, the early medieval settlement
of Lauchheim and excavations of medieval findings in Lübeck. World War II remains uncovered
by archaeological excavations also throw light on recent history.
A Particular Archaeological Experience
The exhibition’s unconventional design deviates from the usual custom. As an archaeological
presentation of a different kind, this exhibition leads the visitor into a fascinating world caught
between the past and the future.
A Presentation of Archaeology’s Achievements
Archaeology presents itself as a modern science in all of its facets and associated disciplines.
Underwater archaeology with its special conditions is addressed here as well as archaeological
research undertaken from the air, insights gained from large-scale excavations of settlements, the
importance of town center archaeology, or the meaningfulness of mining archaeology. Novel dating
methods, restoration techniques and prospecting methods facilitate an increasingly detailed view
into the past.
More than 50 scholars from the fields of historic preservation, museums and universities from all of
the 16 German federal states were involved in preparing this exhibition.
The Accompanying Book
The 400-page book accompanying the exhibition is directed towards the general public; it includes
approximately 100 essays by more than 80 authors and is richly illustrated by 700 predominantly
colored images. The book provides an excellent overview of Germany’s most important finds and
discovery sites as well as the methods used and the goals and tasks of archaeological historic
preservation. The accompanying book is available for 25 €.
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