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Academia Europaea Tbilisi Knowledge Hub recently hosted Abercromby Professor of Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Manuel Fernández-Götz, an Academia Europaea member, whose research focuses on late prehistoric and Roman societies in Europe, with a particular interest in questions of social identities, early urbanisation, and conflict archaeology.
During his visit, in partnership with the Georgian National Museum, AE Tbilisi Knowledge Hub organized the lecture titled: “The origins of cities in Eurasia: New archaeological perspectives” on September 5.
Academic Director of the Hub and General Director of the Georgian National Museum, Prof. David Lordkipanidze welcomed the professional public gathered at the Auditorium of the Georgian National Museum and introduced Prof. Manuel Fernández-Götz to them: “One of the aims of Tbilisi Hub is to support dialogue between the Georgian scientists with their colleagues from around the globe as well as to support development of new international partnerships that may lead to new scientific projects. I am sure that this session will only be the beginning of our future partnership.” – he noted.
“Cities represent one of the defining features of our modern world. According to the United Nations, 2009 was the first year in human history in which the number of urban dwellers surpassed the rural population. But when, how, and why did the urban phenomenon first develop? Due to its time and depth, archaeology is in a privileged position to provide long-term insights that allow current concerns to be placed within a wider framework.” – stated Prof. Fernández-Götz in the beginning of his presentation and outlined the potential of archaeology for our understanding of the earliest urban centres in ancient Eurasia through his talk.
He covered achievements that archaeology has made during the last few decades and enormous advances in the study of the deep history of earliest cities, leading to fascinating new discoveries and challenging previous assumptions. His presentation combined examples of new theoretical and methodological approaches with specific case studies that range from the 4th millennium BC Trypillia megasites in Ukraine to the 1st century BC Celtic oppida in Central-Western Europe.
The scientists discussed Georgia’s rich archaeological heritage and its significance in the broader context of urban development in Eurasia. They highlighted the need for continued collaboration and shared research initiatives.
As the event came to a close, Prof. Lordkipanidze expressed gratitude to Prof. Fernández-Götz for his insightful presentation and to all participants for their contributions. He emphasized the Hub's commitment to fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge that bridges historical understanding with contemporary relevance.
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Prof. Manuel Fernández-Götz has been recognised by various awards, including the Philip Leverhulme Prize and the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Thomas Reid Medal. He is a member of the Academia Europaea, corresponding member of the German Archaeological Institute, and trustee of National Museums Scotland.