Archaeological conference in Copenhagen

The 13th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East was held in Copenhagen from May 22-26. At this important biennial meeting of about 800 scientists from different archaeological and historical fields, the latest research results are presented and discussed. Fortunately, across political boundaries that complicate research in everyday archaeological life. Thus, the directors of the antiquities’ authorities of Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Iran, and Kurdistan reported on the state of archaeology in their countries. 

Katja Soennecken, Assistant Professor for Biblical Archaeology at the LSRS, was able to present the first results of her work. Under the title “Tracking down ‘Sea Peoples’ far away from the Mediterranean Cities. The (im)possibility of finding ethnicity in archaeological evidence” she reported on the state of knowledge and research in the field of her habilitation project and presented her theses for discussion: At the end of the Late Bronze Age massive architectural and cultural changes are visible on Tall Zirāʿa in Northern Jordan. A new sanctuary was built, houses re-organized and the material culture shows signs of cultural interchange. Some of the architectural features, animal bones, pottery and small finds point to a group of people not indigenous of Transjordan, but the Mediterranean. Could “Sea Peoples” have settled in the highlands of Transjordan? In her presentation she argued for a cultural flow not only of artifacts, but peoples at the end of the Late Bronze Age and proposed ways to deal with cultural markers in archaeological evidence.

The topic obviously met with broad interest – in presence as well as via zoom – as the very large audience and subsequent lively discussion showed. In addition, there were many opportunities to make contacts, talk with colleagues about existing and future joint projects, and exchange ideas – and even time to visit the famous Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek and the National Museum. Overall, the conference was extremely helpful and positive. There was a great response to the theses presented, new suggestions and further new contacts.