Balkan Archaeology as a Laboratory

This edition presents Ex Novo Volumes 7 and 8 together in a single publication, bringing into dialogue two complementary explorations of archaeology’s engagement with society, identity, and disciplinary traditions.

Volume 7 examines the complex relationships between the past and present, tracing how historical narratives, mythology, and activism intersect in shaping contemporary identities. The contributions highlight archaeology as a discipline rooted not only in the recovery of material remains but also in the ongoing negotiation of cultural memory, nationalism, and societal constructs.

Volume 8 turns to the field of Balkan archaeology, drawing on papers originally presented at the 28th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists in Budapest. This volume interrogates the socio-political frameworks that have shaped archaeological practice in the Balkans, questioning long-standing interpretive paradigms and highlighting the challenges of integrating new theoretical approaches. Its contributions invite a critical reassessment of regional methodologies and advocate for innovative perspectives that address both historical legacies and contemporary scholarly discourse.

Together, these two volumes offer a rich and thought-provoking collection that underscores the evolving dialogue between archaeology, historical narratives, and the cultural and political contexts in which the discipline operates.