The Histories of Mediterranean Archaeology research programme investigates how the material past of the Mediterranean basin has been discovered, interpreted, and institutionalised over time. Rather than focusing on the ancient cultures themselves, this programme examines the discipline of archaeology, tracing its evolution from Renaissance antiquarianism and 19th-century colonial expeditions to modern digital methodologies. The programme also recognises that archaeology can contribute to a more humane world by fostering true community collaboration while challenging the persistent legacies of colonialism, nationalism, and class struggle.
Historiography of the Discipline: Analysing how changing political, philosophical, and cultural movements shaped archaeological theories and practices across different eras, and how archaeological thinking conversely influenced wider paradigms and movements.
Transmission of Ideas: Investigating the networks, publications, and debates through which archaeological knowledge crossed geographic and linguistic borders, mapping how concepts evolved as they travelled between Mediterranean regions and beyond.
Colonialism, Nationalism, and Identity: Exploring how Mediterranean heritage has been utilised to construct national identities, justify imperial expansion, or foster Europocentric cultural narratives, and examining how these colonial legacies inform contemporary debates over repatriation and restitution.
Archival and Institutional History: Excavating the papers, field notes, photographs, film, and correspondence of early antiquarians and archaeologists, museums, and research institutes to understand how knowledge was produced, managed and disseminated.
Indigenous and Local Agency: Recovering the often-overlooked contributions of local workforces, guides, and scholars in Mediterranean lands who were foundational to major discoveries.
The Evolution of Method: Tracking the technological and ethical shifts in fieldwork, from destructive treasure hunting to modern, non-invasive investigations.
Transmission of Ideas: Investigating the networks, publications, and debates through which archaeological knowledge crossed geographic and linguistic borders, mapping how concepts evolved as they travelled between Mediterranean regions and beyond.
By critically evaluating how the Mediterranean past was constructed, this programme provides essential context for current debates regarding cultural property, museum ethics, and the decolonisation of heritage. It ultimately reveals how the modern understanding of the ancient Mediterranean is inextricably linked to the historical contexts of the people who dug it up.
The programme is led by Prof. Nicholas Vella (Department of Classics and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts), Prof. Reuben Grima (Department of Conservation and Built Heritage, Faculty for the Built Environment) and Dr Omar N’Shea (International School for Foundation Studies).
