BrainMap

Mr. Catalin Alexandru Lazar

Dr.

Archaeologist / Researcher - UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Other affiliations

Member in Research Grant - INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN" (Romania)

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: N-4612-2015

Curriculum Vitae (16/10/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Mapping the Prehistoric Waterscape from Southern Romania (7000-3000 cal. BC). Natural water supply and cultural water demand in the past Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2369 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/waterscape/

Abstract:

Investigations of the water in an archaeological context and searches for connections between natural water supply, natural hydrological conditions, and socio-cultural developments of human societies in the past is a real challenge for contemporary research. However, despite the apparent simplicity of water notion when we talk about human civilizations of the past, it had multidimensional connotations, which are transposed into various and differentiated elements of analysis (economic impact, hazards, human resilience, mobility, palaeoecologically niches, etc.). Thus, approaching a topic like the one proposed by the current project is difficult and challenging, involving complex multidisciplinary analyses, at the border of several disciplines (archaeology, geography, biology, etc.).

The project aim is to identify the complex interface between water and the human communities from Southern Romania for a period of 4000 years (7000-3000 BC). It will focus on the natural water availability, carrying capacity of environments, and aspects of variability in the hydrological system in correlation with human settlements location. We will take in consideration the adaptation and management strategies of different past societies, and the resilience or vulnerability of certain societies to hydrological hazards. Moreover, the project will address some side issues as the role of diet based on aquatic resources in life of the humans, and their palaeoeconomical impact in the target time span.

Sine Qua Non: Calibration of radiocarbon ages and correction of the freshwater reservoir effect in Southeastern Romania Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4171 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://calib-ro.unibuc.ro/

Abstract:

The freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) can result in anomalously old radiocarbon ages of the samples from lakes and rivers, and it strongly affects radiocarbon dates, sometimes the age offsets reaching even up to 10,000 years.

The project “Sine Qua Non: Calibration of radiocarbon ages and correction of the freshwater reservoir effect in Southeastern Romania” aims to examine the order of magnitude and degree of variability (spatial and temporal) of the FRE over short and long timescales in Lower Danube Basin, in the segment Vedea River - Danube Delta. Based on the sophisticated proxies available for the targeted area, and combined AMS radiocarbon dating with stable isotopes analysis (δ13C, and δ15N) along with OSL and Archaeomagnetic dating (for correction of 14C data) we will develop a local calibration curve for that FRE phenomenon and open-source calibration software. It will be made using R statistical environment (Bchron and rcarbon packages), based on the construction of some complex age-data models that will integrate 14C dates obtained both on samples from archaeological sites or geological core, but also on contemporary samples analyzed from the target area. Moreover, in order to estimate correctly the spatial variability and distribution of the FRE a geospatial integration of data (14C, OSL, Archaeomagnetic) resulting from the field works (archaeological sites and cores) will be made.

This proposal is an original approach for Romania that has not been realized so far. It will provide a reliable instrument for establishing the absolute correct ages for different archaeological finds, and it will become an essential tool for further geology and ecology studies as well.

A consortium of 2 institutions will implement the project: the ArchaeoScience#RO Platform of the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest as Coordinator, and „Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering as Partner Organization.

Multidisciplinary platform for integrative and systematic research of tangible and non-tangible cultural heritage and identities in Romania Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0686 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE IN INFORMATICA - ICI BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN ORADEA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://patcultro.unibuc.ro

Abstract:

The present project represents an original approach, from an inter-, pluri-, multi- and transdisciplinary perspective of the 6th domains - Patrimony and cultural identity. Through the structure of the consortium, the management of the project, the objectives proposed by the component projects, through the synergies and complementarities obtained, undoubtedly presents a high degree of feasibility, being a sophisticated, integrative and exhaustive approach for Romania. Its results will have an impact both on the national and international scientific communities, but also on the broad public, contributing through the proposed activities to the consolidation, development, and improvement of the RDI system in our country, and indirectly to the training of the future specialists from the Romanian research.

The final goal of the project is to create a complex interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary platform for integrated and systematic research of tangible and non-tangible cultural identities and heritage in Romania.

The consortium that will implement this complex project is coordinated by the University of Bucharest (CO-UB), in partnership with the "Vasile Parvan" Institute of Archeology of the Romanian Academy (P1-IAB), the National Institute for Research and Development for Physics and Nuclear Engineering " Horia Hulubei "(P2-IFIN-HH)," Al. I. Cuza "University of Iasi (P3-UAIC), West University of Timisoara (P4-UVT), National Institute of Research and Development for Material Physics (P5-INCDFM), the "Ovidius" University of Constanta (P6-UOC) and the University of Oradea (P7-UO). The way of geographic distribution at the level of Romania ensures a good regional representation of the legal entities represented within the consortium in this project. The combination of five universities and three national research institutes is the ideal combination to support and implement such a complex project.

Interdisciplinary Institutional Platform for Excellence in Research, Development, Innovation and Professional Training in Archaeological Sciences Call name:
ID 335 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI ()

Project website: https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/platforma-institutionala-interdisciplinara-de-excelenta-in-cercetarea-dezvoltarea-inovarea-si-formarea-profesionala-din-domeniul-stiintelor-arheologice-archaeological-scie

Abstract:

The project "Interdisciplinary Institutional Platform for Excellence in Research, Development, Innovation and Professional Training in Archaeological Sciences (ArchaeoScience # RO)" aims at introducing a field of research unmatched yet at the university level in our country – Archaeological Sciences.

The project will be run during the 2018-2020 period, through the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB). The ICUB will provide the implementation of the project affiliated research group bringing together specialists from several departments – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Geology and Geophysics, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences and with the logistic support offered by The IT & C Directorate and the Research Program Management Division.

The implementation of the project "Interdisciplinary Institutional Platform of Excellence in Research, Development, Innovation and Professional Training in the Field of Archaeological Sciences" implies the development of a common platform, facilitating the complex, interdisciplinary and integrative approach of the archaeological cultural heritage, by means of conducting research and training in archaeological and material immaterial cultural heritage (mobile and immobile).

Following the implementation of this project, the University of Bucharest will be the first university in Romania to address the field of Archaeological Sciences. This approach represents an excellent opportunity to connect Romania to the existing research directions and programs in other European Union countries and around the world, in the context of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage.

The platform proposed for development will integrate a systematic, inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary scientific research direction, organized by the Departments of History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Geology and Geophysics of the University of Bucharest, in order to meet the current Romanian and European needs, in line with the international trends. The research teams in the field of Archaeological Sciences from the departments mentioned above will be organised as five Research, Development, Innovation and Educational Training Units, grouped under the following sub-disciplines:

i). Bioarchaeology – will address research directions such as archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, palaeoanthropology, palaeomicrobiology and paleoparasitology;

ii). Geoarchaeology – will address research directions such as geomorphology, sedimentology, palaeohidrography, palaeogeography, palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, palaeorelief and landscape;

iii). The Material Culture Studies – will address the research directions related to virtually all of the archaeometric analyses of monuments, archaeological artefacts and ecofacts (e.g. petrography, mineralogy, chromatography, XRF, XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, RAMAN, PIXE, etc.);

iv). Digital Archaeology – will address research directions such as GIS analyses, statistical approaches, mathematical models, 3D modelling and reconstruction, non-intrusive prospects;

v). Molecular Archaeology – will address the research directions related to the isotopic study of ecofacts and artefacts, paleogenetic analyses (aDNA) and residual analyses.

Multidisciplinary platform for integrative and systematic research of tangible and non-tangible cultural heritage and identities in Romania Call name:
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0686 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (); INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN" (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (); UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE IN INFORMATICA - ICI BUCURESTI (); UNIVERSITATEA DIN ORADEA (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI ()

Project website: https://patcultro.unibuc.ro

Abstract:

The current project represents an original inter-, pluri-, multi-, and transdisciplinary approach of the Domain 6 problematics – Cultural identity and heritage. Through its structure and management, the goals put forth by the component projects, its synergies and complementarities, the project has, undoubtedly, a high degree of accomplishment, being a complex, integrative and exhaustive approach for Romania. Its results will have a great deal of impact within both national and international scientific communities and the general audience, contributing through the anticipated activities to strengthening, developing and perfecting the CDI system in our country, as well as, to the professional formation of the future Romanian researchers. Projects final goal is to provide a complex multidisciplinary inter-institutional platform for integrative and systematic research of the identities and tangible and non-tangible cultural heritage in Romania. The Consortium that will implement this complex project is coordinated by the University of Bucharest (CO-UB), in joint partnership with the Institute of Archaeology “Vasile Pîrvan” of the Romanian Academy (P1-IAB), National Research-Development Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering” Horai Hulubei” (P2-IFIN-HH), University” Al. I. Cuza” Iași (P3-UAIC), West University Timișoara (P4-UVT), National Institute of Materials Physics (P5-INCDFM), National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics – ICI Bucrești (P6-ICI), University ”Ovidius” Constanța (P7-UOC) and University of Oradea (P8-UO). The geographical distribution Romanian wise ensures, without a doubt, a good regional representation of the juridical entities extant in the consortium. This partnership between 5 universities and 3 national research institutes signifies an ideal combination for the sustainability and the implementation of such a complex project.

Personal adornment in the Prehistory of the Northern Danube territory: aesthetic or socio-cultural symbol? Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-0182 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO)

Project website: http://www.eneolithicbonetools.ro

Abstract:

Personal adornments are an inexhaustible source of reflection because by means of these objects, we can identify the symbolic and religious behavior of the prehistoric groups, but also they can reflect some socio-economic aspects of these communities or they may become the markers of borders and of network trades in Prehistory. This project aims to analyse the prehistoric personal ornaments from the Northern Danube territory, following several aspects: 1. characterisation of prehistoric societies, in particular their social organisation, exchange systems and ethno-cultural units, through the study of personal ornaments found in necropolis and settlements; 2. creation of modern experimental reference collections for the study of prehistoric personal ornaments; 3. taphonomic and technological analyses, microscopy, macrophotography, SEM+EDS analysis, FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy etc. Chronologically, the project will focus on the Neolithic and Eneolithic from the Northern Danube territory (ca. 6300-3500 cal. BC.), however, our studies will extend beyond this period. The purpose of this project is to identify and explore the transformations in the picture of the adornments for understanding the factors which determined the use of some raw materials and techniques as opposed to other possible variants. We will also try to identify, where possible, the moment they appeared and were abandoned in the target region, all this in order to determine the cultural and temporal limits of certain types of ornaments, place of origin, exchanges and circulation routes, etc. Following this path, we would like to answer the question: can the personal adornments be used as indicators of particular cultural phenomena in the Prehistory of the Northen Danubian territory?

Bio-mapping of the Past Animal and Vegetation from the Romanian Prehistory Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0676 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE ARHEOLOGIE "VASILE PIRVAN" (RO)

Project website: http://bio-mapping-prehistory.ro

Abstract:

The project Bio-mapping of the Past Animal and Vegetation from the Romanian Prehistory (BioMapPrehist) proposes a new approach regarding Romanian Prehistory (c. 40000-650 cal.BC) from the bioarchaeological perspective, based on an interdisciplinary integration of the zooarchaeological and archaeobotanical data available.

The main motivation of the project is the absence from Romania of the large integrated databases regarding past fauna (e.g. molluscs, fish bones, reptiles, birds, mammals) and vegetation (e.g. seeds, charcoal, pollen) discovered in archaeological contexts, an indispensable tool in modern research. In these circumstances, we will try to realize a complex integrated analysis of the interaction between society, environment, and biodiversity in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene on the Romanian actual territory. This chronological range was a critical period in the evolution of humanity, which gradually turned from hunter-gatherer communities into farmers-breeders communities. The target period begins with the Upper Paleolithic period, continues with Mesolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Bronze Age, and it ends with the First Iron Age (Hallstatt).

The project is designed to provide a higher-resolution picture of the faunal and vegetal evolution for a more than 40000 years, in correlation with human communities from the target area, and their food preferences, environmental resources management, and particular adaptive strategies.

The primary objectives of the project is the development of a complex analytical instrument for national and European researchers, based on bioarchaeological data and valorize the national cultural heritage, but also the integration of statistical GIS methods, in order to know the fundamental evolution and distribution of fauna and flora (and implicitly human consumption, paleoeconomy, food procuring strategies, key-events that affect the human diet) from geographically (horizontal) and chronologically (vertical) perspective.

A radiography of the past. Investigation of Neolithic clay artefacts using imaging diagnostic methods and experimental Archaeology. Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0742 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://proiecte.nipne.ro/pn3/2-proiecte.html

Abstract:

The project: “A radiography of the past. Investigation of Neolithic clay artifacts using imaging diagnostic methods and experimental archaeology” aims to explore clay artifacts belonging to a key-period in Romanian prehistory – i.e. the Neolithic (ca. 7000-3700 BC).

The main objective of the project is the identification of the manufacturing methods for the Neolithic clay artifacts (pottery, statuettes, loom weights, etc.) through the synergetic use of experimental archaeology and imaging methods - radiography and X-ray Computed Tomography. The acquired information will be used to reveal the inner structure of the objects, with consequences in understanding the hidden symbolism behind each artefact and identifying the steps of the chaîne opératoire. The project will lead to specific knowledge related to the production, manufacture, repair and use of the Neolithic clay objects.

A consortium of two institutions will implement this interdisciplinary innovative project: Horia Hulubei National Institute for Nuclear Physics and Engineering (IFIN-HH) as Coordinating Institution (CO) and University of Bucharest – Faculty of History (UB) as Partner 1 (P1).

A reference collection comprising experimental models of clay artifacts will be created created through methods and raw materials similar to those from the Neolithic period.

The imaging techniques will be used for the study and diagnosis of both archaeological and experimental artifacts.

This experimental and demonstrative research will be concluded with a theoretical and practical model of the chaîne opératoire used to manufacture Neolithic clay artifacts, confirming or dismissing some of the current hypotheses concerning the Neolithic. The results of the project will be disseminated through papers, conferences and workshops presentations, seminars, an exhibition, a web page and an online database, increasing the visibility of the Romanian scientific research.

Echoes of the past reflected in the present ... An attempt to reconstruct the Neolithic society through experimental archeology Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2302 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI

Project partners: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); S&S PROIECTARE SRL (RO)

Affiliation: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (RO)

Project website: http://www.mnir.ro/index.php/echoes-of-the-past-reflected-in-the-present/

Abstract:

This project represents an original approach, from an interdisciplinary approach, of one of the key eras of Romania’s history – the Neolithic (ca.7000-3700 B.C.). This period represented a turning point in the evolution of mankind, comparable on a historical scale only with the industrial revolution of the late XVIIIth century, which modified the very essence of human society, thus allowing all subsequent progress. This is the moment of those fundamental discoveries, like agriculture, pasturing, pottery and metal works and of great transformations of man kind’s habits, like the appearance of the first sedentary settlements and later on the of the kernels of proto-urban life appear. Unfortunately a research of the Neolithic with all its material and spiritual aspects represents a far greater challenge when compared with other historical eras (like the greek-roman era, the byzantine period, the middle-age etc.), due especially to the lack of complementary sources of information (written sources, oral information, direct observations). In these circumstances, only the data obtain through archeological diggings can help understanding these prehistoric communities and their material creation, but just in a limiting way. This is the reason why we propose an interdisciplinary approach of the Romanian Neolithic, based on the synergic involvement of some diverse fields, like archeology, archeozoology, archeoichtiology, anthropology, geology, architecture, petrography, topography, chemistry, etc., which would offer a background knowledge composed of contemporary archeological discoveries, doubled by studies of experimental archeology that would allow a scientific validation of some of the existing theories and concepts. Thus, experimental archeology transforms into a very strong research instrument, able to complete the Neolithic knowledge base. This subject in original and unique, never being approached again in Romania. The project aims at starting from the archeological data from the Neolithic, in order to recreate, by the means of the experimental archeology, all the elements that create the material culture of these communities (pottery, houses, figurines, tools made by flint, horn, shells, bone, metal, etc. Also the project shall study the functional dimension of these objects, that will be tested in various Neolithic activities (agriculture, gathering, wood chopping, house building, tools and objects crafting, etc.). All the resulting products shall be interdisciplinary analyzed, as well as all the archeological artifacts, after which a comparative study shall be made. Furthermore, the project aims at (re) building a Neolithic settlement at a 1:1 scale, with all its specific buildings and artifacts, thus creating a true, Archaeodrom like, science park which will comprise a museum and a research base. This shall represent an economical product, with a strong experimental and eloquent character, based upon the collaboration between the research institutions that make up this consortium and the business environment, which will both contribute to the implementation of the „education through research” concept by allowing both initial and continuous forming of human resources (students, master and PhD candidates), and also shall represent an extremely valuable cultural product, able to be integrated in the national touristic circuit. In the same time, the construction of this scientific park in a rural environment, in an economically disadvantaged area, will contribute both to a socio-economic development of the host community and to a significant rise in educational opportunities for the youth of this community. This approach of the research process can be considered a new technique of cultural marketing, yet to be applied in Romania, at least for the Neolithic archeological discoveries.

Re-constructing the identities: facts, places, peoples, animals and objects of the invisible past Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-1015 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI

Project partners: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (RO)

Affiliation: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (RO)

Project website: http://prehistoric-identities.ro/

Abstract:

The problem of `who we are’ was always central to the interest of the peoples.For archaeologists and historians this problem is often intimately related to questions of `who were the people of the past,our ancestors’ an inquiry which incited their imagination and knowledge of the past 200 years.Various scientific disciplines helped to discover an important part of the past but the degree of documentation is different from one historical period to another.Some of them,as it is the prehistory,are lacking in certain segments of information.In these circumstances,the archaeologists have built an often distorted picture of the prehistory.That is why in this project we propose a interdisciplinary approach for an important segment of prehistory(Eneolithic),in terms of identities.The subject is original and has not been addressed until now in Romania.The project aims to identify some socio-biological aspects of the Eneolithic communities,grouped into five levels of analysis:the identity of place (where they lived),macro-identity of communities (where they lived),the biological identity(who are they),the material dimension of identity-artifacts(what they built,used and produced) and the reflected identity by other elements (what they preferred to collect,eat and use,why and how).Combinatorial analysis of data obtained from these four levels of study will allow us to answer questions about `who are those people’ and to identify the multiple identities of these past human populations

From the earliest modern humans to the onset of farming (45,000-4,500 BP): the role of climate, life-style, health, migration and selection in shaping European population history Call name:
Grant agreement ID: 263441 2011 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN

Project partners: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN (); MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI (); University of Cambridge (); University of Oxford (); Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow (); University of Latvia (); University of Vienna (); University of Coimbra (); Greek Ministry of Culture (); University of Winnipe (); Georgian National Museum (); Masaryk University, Brno ()

Affiliation: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI ()

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/pinhasierc/the-team

Abstract:

The colonisation of Europe by anatomically modern humans (AMHs) ca. 45,000 years before present (BP) and the transition to farming ca. 8,000 BP are two major events in human prehistory. Both events involved certain cultural and biological adaptations, technological innovations, and behavioural plasticity which are unique to our species. The reconstruction of these processes and the causality between them has so far remained elusive due to technological, methodological and logistical complexities. Major developments in our understanding of the anthropology of the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, and advances in ancient DNA (aDNA) technology and chronometric methods now allow us to assess in sufficient resolution the interface between these evolutionary processes, and changes in human culture and behaviour.

The proposed research will investigate the complex interface between the morphological, genetic, behavioural, and cultural factors that shaped the population history of European AMHs. The PI s interdisciplinary expertise in these areas, his access to and experience of relevant skeletal collections, and his ongoing European collaborations will allow significant progress in addressing these fundamental questions. The approach taken will include (a) the collection of bioarchaeological, aDNA, stable isotope (for the analysis of ancient diet) and radiometric data on 500 skeletons from key sites/phases in Europe and western Anatolia, and (b) the application of existing and novel aDNA, bioarchaeological and simulation methodologies. This research will yield results that transform our current understanding of major demographic and evolutionary processes and will place Europe at the forefront of anthropological biological and genetic research.

BEHIND PREHISTORIC TECHNOLOGY: THE ENEOLITHIC HARD ANIMAL MATERIAL INDUSTRY FROM SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0133 2011 - 2014

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA VALAHIA DIN TARGOVISTE

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA VALAHIA DIN TARGOVISTE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA VALAHIA DIN TARGOVISTE (RO)

Project website: http://www.eneolithicbonetools.ro/

Abstract:

The project aims to carry out a completely original study for the Romanian prehistorical archeology - concerning the way in which the hard animal material industry reflect the environmental exploitation strategies and the extent to which cultural attitudes influence these strategies - on the basis of well preserved and contextually integrated archeological material. Animal bone materials were used by the prehistoric communities to manufacture weapons, tools and artistic objects. In this category are included: bone, antler, ivory, teeth and shells, each with its own special processing techniques that have to do with their mechanical properties and also with the specific cultural traditions of each community. Within this study, pursuing four stages - raw matter acquisition, typology, technology, traseology - our main goals will be to identify the equipments’ makeup, the function of the objects and their integration in the activities, the technical and economic means needed to obtain them and, in the end, by comparing the sites, to identify the possible cultural markers and to check if the cultural models emitted so far on the assimilation of an exploitation model pertaining to a certain culture are veridical. The technical-functional determinations of the animal bone tools will be established based on the correlation of the experimental results with the study of the micro and macro stigmata, with the functional analogies/ethnographic comparisons and the archeological data.

Paleodemography and Funerary Behaviors in the Romanian Neolithic and Eneolithic in European Context Call name:
PN–II–RU–PD–2010–16 2010 - 2012

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI

Project partners: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI ()

Affiliation: MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A ROMANIEI ()

Project website: http://paleodemografie-preistorica.ro/

Abstract:

Proiectul reprezinta o viziune moderna aplicata in domeniul studierii demografice a populatiei din comunitatile neolitice pe baza unor metode interdisciplinare moderne. Subiectul reprezinta o studiere aprofundata a unor aspecte doar atinse in teza de doctorat a directorului de proiect si prin aceasata se asigura noutatea subiectului propus.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader	Download (98.04 kb) 17/10/2019
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects