The Multidisciplinary Archaeological Research Institute (MARI) at the VUB is dedicated to the investigation and understanding of the human past by bringing different disciplines and methods together. Current archaeological research exceeds traditional disciplinary divisions and requires more integrated methodologies. Positioned at the intersection between humanities and natural sciences, MARI seeks a holistic understanding of our past. Merging state-of-the-art field research with innovative laboratory analyses, our research illustrates how humans and the environment have interacted throughout time. With MARI we aim to examine: a) lifeways and exploitation of natural resources, b) the development of settlement - and urban systems, c) changes in the natural environment (impact of humans, climate and other natural processes) and their effect on societies, and d) funerary practices, health, demography, diet, mobility, and landscape use of past populations. By doing so MARI want to trace different episodes of growth, decline, collapse and resilience within human groups and their drivers. Furthermore, MARI aims to contribute to the highly debated topic of human-animal-environment dynamics, which is one of the most pressing issues scientists face today, considering global climate change or societal sustainability. Most of the current high-profile human-environment debates lack an understanding of deep-time developments to which this MARI research can contribute. MARI is internationally recognized for its expertise in the geoarchaeological study of towns, bioarchaeology, integrated phytolith studies and landscape archaeology.
News
VUB researchers aim for first in-depth study of historic and prehistoric terrace building
VUB and KU Leuven will investigate the typology of Eastern Mediterranean terraces We all know the images of Southeast Asia’s vast rice fields neatly terraced against the hills.VUB-onderzoek lokaliseert ongekende vuurtorens in een haven uit de Romeinse tijd in Cyprus
In Oostende weten de bewoners van de oosteroever tegenwoordig heel goed wat het effect en de rol zijn van een vuurtoren in de haven. Vuurtorens zijn geen recent fenomeen: ze waren in de klassieke oudheid al vrij algemeen gekend tot vandaag maar nog onvoldoende bestudeerd.Dr. Marnix Pieters nominated as member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body of the UNESCO convention
The meeting of the State Parties of the UNESCO Convention for the protection of the underwater cultural heritage nominated in June 2021 Dr.
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