Digging into the Past - 25 Years of Archaeology in Denmark (Hardcover)

In September 1993, the 19th Nordic Archaeological Congress took place in Denmark - 20 years since the archaeologists of the Nordic countries last met on Danish soil to deliberate matters of common interest. This meeting presented an opportunity to take stock of what has happened in Danish archaeology in the last 20 years. This book aims to do just that. It is being published in both Danish and English - the latter because of the significant interest shown in Danish prehistory by professional archaeologists in large parts of the world. This interest is to a large extent conditioned by the history of the discipline itself. Denmark was one of the pioneering countries in prehistoric archaeology in Europe. But even today, Danish archaeologists have much to offer archaeologists. Denmark is among the countries which have the most comprehensive knowledge about their ancient monuments. Their strength is not just an inheritance from the distinguished academics who in their day founded and developed the subject, but also derives substantially from the fact that archaeology in Denmark enjoys an unusually high degree of sympathy within the population. It is not too much to say that prehistoric archaeology, over the last hundred years or more, has been something of a national science in Denmark. Throughout the whole country there are amateur archaeologists and interested others who follow vigilantly what comes out of the Danish soil, and who make sure that the archaeologists in the museums are informed of new finds and observations. It has also been an advantage for archaeology that from far back in time there has been an obligation to hand over rare finds of prehistoric objects, in return for compensation. But the main point is that the Danish people, who in other respects are not given to following the dictates of central authority, have accepted the demands of archaeology with respect and understanding. During the last generation, activities have been strengthened by the passing of comprehensive antiquarian laws which chiefly ensure the right to undertake archaeological investigations in places where finds of ancient monuments are made. What is more important to the subject, however, is that there are now many more archaeologists to carry out the work. Growth has been particularly dynamic in the local historical museums, which in most cases were previously looked after by amateurs, often as a spare-time activity, but which are now run by professional archaeologists. This has brought into being a fine-meshed network for identifying and studying new archaeological finds. Unfortunately, archaeology in the universities, which has been developing strongly, has meanwhile been weakened by diminishing resources. The crisis has also reached archaeological excavations on such a scale that the threshold of irresponsibiliy has been crossed. It is chiefly because of the major private foundations in Denmark that major research projects have been put in motion. Today, Danish archaeology feels under pressure in many ways from lack of resources, but amidst the worry the fact should not be overlooked that strong work-pressures are also a sign of health, and that they are due not least to the very significant extent by which archaeology has raised its own level of ambition. This book bears witness to this, reporting 25 years of growth in archaeology.