Archaeofilm – Prehistory, Antiques, Archaeology and history in the movies. A contribution to the state of discussion

Abstract

Since its professional establishment, archaeological research has been concerned with its external impact. Film has proven to be a powerful promoter and multiplier of subject content and knowledge. In the background are questions of research and scientific history as well as cultural and media studies. The examination of archaeological motifs in movies or the medium of archaeofilm enables self-critical questioning on the one hand. On the other hand, the self-reflexive potential is contrasted with the social impact of the archaeological and ancient studies canon. It achieves a portion of its effect through stories of origin and progress, another through the possibility of participation in discoveries and research. In this way, the entertainment and documentary medium of film becomes a source of history in all its scope. In the meantime, settings of early filmmaking, for example, are themselves becoming the target of archaeological excavations. This contrasts with archaeological introspection, when full-time or amateur archaeologists document their own work or stage it for a larger audience. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of research.