Interpretation of Archaeological Heritage – Wishes and Possibilities

Abstract

Over the past few decades the interpretation of cultural heritage has gained importance. The development of new technologies rose exponentially, opening a row of different possibilities for interpretation, both visual and nar rative. A special place in interpreting cultural heritage is taken by archaeologi cal open-air museums and archaeological parks. Over the past few decades and in entire Europe, dozens of them have been established. In them, a special kind of interpretation and/or presentation of cultural heritage takes place, intended both for the broad public and experts. It is at the same time visual and narrative. Basically, in such parks, especially this specific kind of knowledge transfer is be ing developed, based on personal and hands-on experience. Although this kind of interpretation is especially interesting to the younger population, it is of extreme importance exactly for experts, archaeologists, and archaeology students. In such a way, it is easier for them to comprehend man in the past and his relation to the surrounding, materials he used, algorithms he applied, etc. Archaeological open air museums and archaeological parks are usually made in such a manner that they can fit into the already existing or specially designed landscape. At the same time, they offer an ideal surrounding for the activities mentioned above. In this paper, the authors will describe a few archaeological parks and open-air museums, with special attention dedicated to the kinds of interpretations they offer and to their target groups.