Symposium 2010 - Theme and Goal
Theme
„Mining archaeological Research – Interdisciplinary Methodology“
In mining archaeology, like in a mosaic, it is often only possible to obtain an overall view by arranging all the stones, or in this case the different natural- and social sciences, into a colourful picture. The different disciplines involved concern among many others: archaeology, geology, geo-morphology, mineralogy, history, mining technology, palaeography, art-history, speleology or hydro-geology.
In a city like Freiberg, interdisciplinary research is evident, because of its 800 years of mining history. Not only is Freiberg one of the most important mining towns in Europe, but it is also the seat of the Saxony Mining Archives, the Saxony higher mining authorities and the oldest, still existing, mining college in the world. This college offers many different research curriculums. The technical university’s mining academy Freiberg is at the same time the only German university that is managing their own training and research mine. The touristic exploitation of this mine is being managed by a foundation, which is one of the initiating organizers of this year’s symposium.
The „Förderverein Himmelfahrt Fundgrube e. V.“ and the „Institue Europa Subterranea“ gladly invite you to the 5th International Symposium on archaeological Mining History.
Goal
The goal of this year’s symposium is to offer a meeting platform to active scholars in order to exchange knowledge and expertise in European mining history, mining archaeology and the study and preservation of ancient mining landscapes, but also to present projects and research results. This year’s symposium will present new research methods or revalue existing methodologies.
The participants will be offered the opportunity of joining in a European network of mutual service and cooperation between mining historians and mining archaeologists in order to establish a prosperous and growing community. This goal will be supported by the workshop character of the symposium.