Domestic Archaeology

The 1860s and 1870s produced another wave of popular engagement with the distant past, and states within the German Empire created historical commissions and built impressive regional museums that included large displays devoted to archaeological material. These institutions contributed to the professionalization of domestic archaeology by combining the traditional focus on locales and regions with the scientific questions of anthropology. Museum directors and voluntary associations advocated for a greater awareness about archaeology in schools and among the general public in order to inspire greater knowledge about pre- and early history and to bolster preservation efforts. The incredible growth of archaeology collections led to packed, chaotic museums that did not convey clear narratives about the ancient past. Even the location and details of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (9 CE) remained hampered by sensationalist interpretations that tied the event to local settings.