New Challenges: Archaeological heritage management and the archaeology of the 18th to 20th centuries. Foreword (original) (raw)

Internet Archaeology, 2024

Abstract

The archaeology of the last 300 years from 1700 to 1999 has previously been termed 'modernity' or 'contemporary archaeology' and given other disciplinary-specific names. However, these terms can have specific connotations and associated issues. Eventually the EAC 2023 scientific committee settled on 'the archaeology of the 18th to 20th centuries', to focus on the chronological aspects of this period. Here we deal with sites, features and finds from the period following the start of industrialisation, obtained through excavation and documentation, and using techniques and methods applied in all archaeological disciplines. In terms of the naming of this period, beyond the geological term 'Anthropocene', which is also accompanied by its own complexities, Contemporary Archaeology may well be suitable, assuming we accept Harrison and Schofield's definition and explanation (2010) and expand the temporal range. But we should also acknowledge the complexities of engaging with this period and recognise that there are many ways to approach archaeologies of the near present and recent past.

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