European Association of Archaeologists

European Association of Archaeologists is a professional organization that aims to promote the development of archaeology in Europe, fostering cooperation and exchange among archaeologists from University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and other institutions. The association was founded in 1994 by a group of archaeologists from University College London, University of Edinburgh, and University of Copenhagen, with the goal of promoting the protection and preservation of cultural heritage sites, such as Pompeii, Machu Picchu, and Angkor Wat. The EAA works closely with organizations like ICOMOS, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe to advance the field of archaeology and promote the importance of heritage conservation. The association also collaborates with museums like the British Museum, Louvre, and Metropolitan Museum of Art to promote the understanding and appreciation of archaeological findings.

● History

The European Association of Archaeologists has its roots in the European Archaeological Council, which was established in the 1980s by archaeologists from University of Paris, University of Rome, and University of Berlin. The EAA was formally founded in 1994 at a meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, attended by representatives from University of Warsaw, University of Prague, and University of Budapest. Since its inception, the EAA has worked to promote the development of archaeology in Europe, with support from organizations like the European Commission, European Parliament, and the European Cultural Foundation. The association has also collaborated with archaeological societies like the Society of Antiquaries of London, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and the German Archaeological Institute to advance the field of archaeology. Notable archaeologists like Howard Carter, Flinders Petrie, and Kathleen Kenyon have contributed to the development of the field, and their work has been recognized by institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts, British Academy, and the National Academy of Sciences.

● Organization

The European Association of Archaeologists is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from universities and research institutions across Europe, including University of Amsterdam, University of Stockholm, and University of Athens. The board is responsible for setting the association's strategic direction and overseeing its activities, which include organizing conferences and workshops in collaboration with organizations like the Archaeological Institute of America, Society for American Archaeology, and the International Council of Museums. The EAA also has a number of committees and working groups focused on specific areas, such as heritage management, archaeological ethics, and public outreach, which work closely with institutions like the National Trust, English Heritage, and the World Heritage Centre. The association's secretariat is based in Vilnius, Lithuania, and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization, with support from embassies and cultural institutions like the French Embassy in Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Museum.

● Membership

Membership in the European Association of Archaeologists is open to individuals and institutions from Europe and beyond, including universities, museums, and archaeological societies like the Society for Medieval Archaeology, Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, and the Theoretical Archaeology Group. Members receive a range of benefits, including access to the association's publications, discounts on conference registration, and opportunities to participate in networking events and collaborative projects with organizations like the European University Institute, European Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust. The EAA also offers a number of awards and grants to support the work of its members, including the European Archaeological Heritage Prize, which is awarded in partnership with the European Commission and the Council of Europe. Notable members of the EAA include archaeologists like Colin Renfrew, Barry Cunliffe, and Martin Carver, who have made significant contributions to the field of archaeology.

● Annual Meetings

The European Association of Archaeologists hosts an annual meeting, which brings together archaeologists from across Europe and beyond to share their research and discuss key issues in the field. The meeting typically features a range of paper sessions, posters, and workshops, as well as keynote lectures from prominent archaeologists like Brian Fagan, Chris Scarre, and Margaret Conkey. The meeting is often held in collaboration with local universities and museums, such as the University of Barcelona, University of Vienna, and the National Museum of Denmark. Recent annual meetings have been held in Bern, Switzerland, Maastricht, Netherlands, and Sibiu, Romania, with support from organizations like the Swiss National Science Foundation, Dutch Research Council, and the Romanian Ministry of Culture.

● Publications

The European Association of Archaeologists publishes a range of materials, including the European Journal of Archaeology, which is a leading international journal in the field of archaeology. The journal features research articles, reviews, and debates on key topics in archaeology, and is published in partnership with Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, and the Sage Publications. The EAA also publishes a newsletter and a range of monographs and edited volumes on topics like archaeological theory, heritage management, and cultural resource management, which are distributed through bookstores and online retailers like Amazon, Google Books, and the British Library. The association's publications are widely read by archaeologists and heritage professionals from institutions like the Getty Conservation Institute, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, and the World Monuments Fund.

● Advocacy and Policy

The European Association of Archaeologists is actively engaged in advocacy and policy work, aiming to promote the importance of archaeology and cultural heritage in Europe. The association works closely with European institutions like the European Parliament, European Commission, and the Council of Europe to shape policy and legislation related to cultural heritage protection, archaeological preservation, and sustainable tourism. The EAA also collaborates with NGOs and community groups like the European Heritage Alliance, Europa Nostra, and the International National Trusts Organisation to promote the value of archaeology and cultural heritage to society. The association's advocacy work has been recognized by organizations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Council on Monuments and Sites, and the World Tourism Organization, and has contributed to the development of policies like the European Heritage Label, Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.