Was bieten wir der Gesellschaft? Was ist sie bereit, uns zu bieten? – ein Meinungsbeitrag

Abstract

Despite the successful public relations work of many communicators, which seems to interest more and more people in archaeology, archaeology has no lobby. The public interest in archaeology, which once supported and shaped the discipline, seems to turn away from a scientific approach. Apparently, archaeology seems to be interesting, but not relevant. The popularization of archaeology does not strengthen its position in the public balancing of interests. Is this because we do still focus on finds instead on historical meaning correctly by using the wrong narratives of treasures, sensations, and adventures? Is this impression correct? If so, we should ask ourselves why this could be. If not – are we sure, we are not trapped in our own filter bubble? In any case, a further examination of the topic of ‚archaeology and the public‘ is necessary, which has been taking place for a long time (e.g. DGUF conference ‚Sharing Heritage 2018‘), but which should be placed in the wider context of a reflection on the relevance of archaeology. The paper brings some personal thoughts into the current debate.