Archaeology is about the study of people and societies in an extremely long perspective of time. Archaeologists study and document material remains in order to interpret and question the traces left by the past, so archaeology is both an extremely practical and extremely theoretical profession. As an archaeologist, you are given the necessary tools to allow you to excavate, treat and discuss archaeological sources in a methodically responsible manner.  As an archaeologist, you also gain a great deal of practical knowledge of the material aspects of cultures and societies.

At the Section for Prehistoric Archaeology, we emphasise a critical perspective and the importance of relating archaeology to current issues in society. That is why archaeology is not merely concerned with the conditions of life of ancient peoples, but with ourselves and our own society. In a manner of speaking, everyone carries the past with them, which is why it cannot be dismissed as irrelevant.  Religion, globalisation, war, the environment, and identity are all part of the agenda. So at the section we endeavour – through comparative studies – to attain new knowledge that will benefit modern people and today’s society. 

The Section collaborates with Moesgård Museum and the other sections inside and outside the department.