The exhibition covers 25 years of archaeological discoveries in Germany and, for the first time, the general public is able to see the results of excavations in eastern Germany. With nearly 5,000 archaeological finds on show, the exhibition extends chronologically from the Palaeolithic Age to the 20th century and from plant fossils to items uncovered after World War II (below, a fountain mask made of bronze, from the area of the villa rustica of Treuchtlingen-Schambach (Bavaria)). More than 50 researchers from all 16 German Länder have helped prepare for the exhibition. Unlike their colleagues in Italy, Greece or Turkey, who focus more on ancient art treasures and artefacts, German archaeologists concentrate on the geological and biological history of the territory. “Peoples—times—spaces: archaeology in Germany” is spectacularly laid out (until 24 August). As a result the exhibition succeeds in bringing several thousand years of history to life in an effective and visitor-friendly way. Among the exhibits are some genuine treasures such as the Berliner Goldhut, a golden headdress 74 cm high, or a Celtic chair in richly worked bronze discovered near Ludwigsburg. The exhibition, which has already been seen in Berlin, has attracted a lot of public interest, underlining the fact that archaeology is still a relatively young science in Germany and that there is still a great deal to be explored and brought to light.
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as ‘Peoples—times—spaces: archaeology in Germany'