The study of beginnings

Archaeology - literally the "study of beginnings" - is generally understood to be concerned with the legacies hidden in the ground. Accordingly, "the archaeologist" is believed to be knowledgeable in all fields that involve excavation, including geology and palaeontology. In contrast, there is a multi-layered spectrum of archaeologies, eight of which are represented in this museum: Classical Archaeology, Provincial Roman Archaeology, Archaeology of Egypt, Near Eastern Archaeology, Late Antique and Early Christian Archaeology, Byzantine Studies, Prehistory and Early History and Urban archaeology.

The emergence of Classical Archaeology as the science of Greek and Roman art was strongly influenced by Johann Joachim Winckelmann. His main work is the "Geschichte der Kunst des Alterthums" (History of Ancient Art), published in 1764.

Johann Joachim Winckelmann
09.12.1717 - 08.06.1768