For a long time, research of bone industry in archeology was disorganized and mostly limited for classification according to the tools' shape, from which the function was deduced. This method was frequently imprecise and complicated for bone artifacts as well as for chipped stone artifacts. In the last few decades, scientists have tried to apply to the bone industry microwear analysis, which was then successfully applied to the chipped industry. Microwear analysis can help us recognize usewear traces and give information about the manufacturing and functioning of the tools. Using microscopes can prove which artifacts were manufactured by humans and which were simply broken in order to get marrow, and which were bitten by predators. The goal of this research is to expose the functions of tools and artifacts, which are previously unclear, by use of experimental archeology and use-wear analysis, primarily for artefacts known as bone skates (or bone ice skates), which are classified only according to their shape (and often incorrectly). In many foreign countries, the method and application of microwear analysis is increasingly popular. However, in the Czech Republic, it is largely overlooked. Therefore, we would like to extend the sample of possible contact materials and contribute to the progress of...

v Abstract The diploma thesis "Geophysical survey of the surroundings of the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist in Dolní Chabry" describes the realized geophysical measurements at an important archaeological locality and interprets its results. The locality is approached from the historical, geographical and geological point of view. There are described physical properties of rocks, basic principles of geophysical methods used and methodology of field work and data processing. Finally, the measurement results are interpreted. The following methods were used for the research: symmetric resistivity profiling, dipole electromagnetic profiling, electrical resistivity tomography and seismic rafraction. Several anomalies corresponding to already known objects were identified and localized in the locality, another part of captured anomalies corresponds to previously unknown buried archaeological objects. Keywords: archeology, geophysics, archeogeophysics, Dolní Chabry, Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Mgr. Jiří Unger The utilization of 3D computer reconstruction visualizations in archaeology Abstract of dissertation thesis The visual presentation is in the field of archaeology one of the main communication media for conveying information and interpreting it. The recent introduction of digital technologies has brought a whole new dimension to archaeological visualisations. As a result of this development, they become three-dimensional, virtual, multifunctional and interactive. Technological development moreover has not only influenced the way how to retrieve and process the data, but greatly expanded as well the ability to simulate and visualize their different aspects in virtual environment. Since the beginning the virtual archaeology has been taken as direction that would bring new groundbreaking knowledge into the archaeology. However, the current situation is that 3D computer visualizations are just popular conference theme than a standard tool of archaeology as a science, and most works on virtual archaeology still needs to advocate the benefits of 3D visualizations. Therefore, the dissertation thesis try to deal with theoretical issues of preparation, organisation and analysis of input data in the process of creation of 3D reconstruction computer models, then with possible solutions of visualization...

This diploma thesis focuses on structuralism and concept of discourse in the work of French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. The aim of the thesis is to show Ricoeur's effort to interconnect structuralism and hermeneutics and, after this, to treat how this interconnection works as a general paradigm of human sciences. The point of departure is Ricoeur's revision of Saussurean structural approach which divides language into language system (langue) and speaking (parole). Then, the concept of discourse is grounded and the thesis proceeds to problems of text. By using the concept of discourse for written forms of language (texts), Ricoeur introduces this term to his hermeneutical approach. Its interconnection with structuralism is made possible by circular dialectics of explanation and understanding in which structuralism is shown to be necessary for the hermeneutical knowledge. Ricoeur's hermeneutical thought is also characterised by movement from text to action. Ricoeur finds some parallels between them and between the interpretations of them. By this, he proceeds from hermeneutics of text to hermeneutics of action and presents his conclusions as a general paradigm of human sciences. These are said to have a hermeneutical nature. However, according to Ricoeur, the deep hermeneutical comprehension is...

The thesis A Reconstruction of the Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth from the Archeological Evidence and Ancient Literary Sources deals in nine chapters with the crucifixion phenomenon. Due to its dual approach it is divided into two major parts - general and specific. General part firstly presents the latest scientific treatises dedicated to this phenomenon (1), afterwards introduces the only archaeological evidence of crucifixion (2), analyzes semantical span of terms related to crucifixion (3) and ultimately defines the crucifion penalty (4). Specific part deals with the events of Jesus of Nazareth's case following the pronouncement of judgement. Attention is firstly paid to the flogging penalty (5) and afterwards to the analysis of the royal mockery game (6). Further it focuses on the transition scene, mainly on search for topography of the Way of the Cross (7). The Golgota chapters initially pay attention to the psychological abuse, perception of the crucifixion punishment, resemblance of Jesus' cross (8) and afterwards to the physical abuse and the search for causes of Jesus' death from the medical point of view (9). Keywords Jesus, crucifixion, cross, capital punishment, passion narratives, archaeology, antiquity

En marge des recherches archéologiques traditionnelles, nous retrouvons aujourd’hui des compagnies privées qui contractent des accords et obtiennent des permis leur donnant le droit de prélever des objets à des fins lucratives sur les vestiges archéologiques submergés. Ces pratiques commerciales causent une controverse vive et enflammée au sein du monde archéologique. Le principal point de litiges concerne la mise en vente des objets extraits lors de fouille. La mise en marché du patrimoine archéologique éveille les fibres protectionnistes. Cela incite certains organismes à poser des gestes pour la protection du patrimoine. C’est le cas pour l’UNESCO qui fait la promotion depuis 2001 d’une Convention pour la protection du patrimoine submergé. Malgré tous les arguments à l’encontre des compagnies de « chasse aux trésors », cette Convention est loin de faire l’unanimité des gouvernements à travers le monde, qui ne semblent pas prêts à rendre ces pratiques illégales. Les méthodes utilisées par ces compagnies semblent aussi représenter un point de friction avec les archéologues. Toutefois, la connaissance de leurs pratiques sur le terrain semble très incomplète. De plus, contrairement à une certaine idée préconçue, ces compagnies ne sont pas des « pilleurs de tombes » œuvrant sous le couvert de l’anonymat, mais bien des compagnies dûment enregistrées, œuvrant en toute légalité et passant même des contrats avec les gouvernements. Ce mémoire a donc pour objectif de mettre en lumière les actions réelles des compagnies de chasse aux trésors subaquatiques en regardant leurs méthodes et leur fonctionnement, tels qu’on les voit dans les 10 dernières années. Pour mieux conceptualiser les pratiques de ces compagnies, nous nous interrogerons sur le rapport entre légalité et éthique et, plus précisément, sur l’éthique commerciale et archéologique. / Beyond the pole of traditional underwater archaeology, we find an industry composed of commercial companies that enter into contractual agreements and obtain permits which allow them to take objects from submerged sites for financial gain. Their practices create a lively and often heated controversy in the archaeological community. The principal disagreement concerns the sale of objects from sites. The marketing of archaeological heritage awakens protective instincts and actions for the protection of heritage, such as UNESCO’s campaign begun in 2001 for the adoption of a Convention on the protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (Unesco.org 2001). Despite all the arguments against « treasure hunting » companies, the Convention is far from being universally accepted by sovereign governments, who do not seem prepared to make the companies’ practices illegal. The methods used by the companies are also a source of friction with archaeologists. However, knowledge of their field methods seems rather incomplete, and contrary to some preconceived notions, these companies are not « grave robbers » working under the dark, but indeed duly registered companies working in full legality and even entering into contractual agreements with governments. This thesis aims to shed light on the activities of the underwater treasure hunting industry by studying their methods and operations as they have developed in the last ten years. In order to conceptualise the companies’ practices, we look at the relation between archaeological and business ethics.

This thesis deals with analysis of development of Chinese views on the origins of Chinese culture and statehood in view of archaeological research between the years 1940 and 1980. The analysis is based on information provided by popularizing media, specifically Chinese newspapers and high school textbooks, which are paired with archaeological overview from specialized publications written in English, Czech and Chinese language. Thesis consists of three parts. Firstly, it outlines development in archeology during four decades and the impact of nonacademic influence on scientific work. It serves as theoretical reference frame for the following analysis of Chinese sources. The second chapter deals with reflection of archaeological research in articles of the People's Daily newspapers. How are the archaeological findings valued by society, how does state ideology impacts on their research and it is related to that what are the geographical tendencies. Terminology and biased manner of expression in articles are also included to analysis. The third chapter consists of the study of views on the history of Chinese antiquity in textbooks. In which ways were textological historiography and outcome of archaeological research combined, including factual chronology of historical events and geographical location...

This diploma thesis presents the results of the study of historical exploitation of gold in Vodňany, which were partly introduced in previous bachelor thesis. The core of the thesis is a list of locations that have been researched mainly through studying lidar pictures, field and heavy minerals prospecting, professional literature and geological maps. Based on the observation of common or different features of the individual areals, the thesis further solved questions related to the morphology of the areals, the probable occurrence of gold, the method of its mining, and, consequently, property and settlement links.

En marge des recherches archéologiques traditionnelles, nous retrouvons aujourd’hui des compagnies privées qui contractent des accords et obtiennent des permis leur donnant le droit de prélever des objets à des fins lucratives sur les vestiges archéologiques submergés. Ces pratiques commerciales causent une controverse vive et enflammée au sein du monde archéologique. Le principal point de litiges concerne la mise en vente des objets extraits lors de fouille. La mise en marché du patrimoine archéologique éveille les fibres protectionnistes. Cela incite certains organismes à poser des gestes pour la protection du patrimoine. C’est le cas pour l’UNESCO qui fait la promotion depuis 2001 d’une Convention pour la protection du patrimoine submergé. Malgré tous les arguments à l’encontre des compagnies de « chasse aux trésors », cette Convention est loin de faire l’unanimité des gouvernements à travers le monde, qui ne semblent pas prêts à rendre ces pratiques illégales. Les méthodes utilisées par ces compagnies semblent aussi représenter un point de friction avec les archéologues. Toutefois, la connaissance de leurs pratiques sur le terrain semble très incomplète. De plus, contrairement à une certaine idée préconçue, ces compagnies ne sont pas des « pilleurs de tombes » œuvrant sous le couvert de l’anonymat, mais bien des compagnies dûment enregistrées, œuvrant en toute légalité et passant même des contrats avec les gouvernements. Ce mémoire a donc pour objectif de mettre en lumière les actions réelles des compagnies de chasse aux trésors subaquatiques en regardant leurs méthodes et leur fonctionnement, tels qu’on les voit dans les 10 dernières années. Pour mieux conceptualiser les pratiques de ces compagnies, nous nous interrogerons sur le rapport entre légalité et éthique et, plus précisément, sur l’éthique commerciale et archéologique. / Beyond the pole of traditional underwater archaeology, we find an industry composed of commercial companies that enter into contractual agreements and obtain permits which allow them to take objects from submerged sites for financial gain. Their practices create a lively and often heated controversy in the archaeological community. The principal disagreement concerns the sale of objects from sites. The marketing of archaeological heritage awakens protective instincts and actions for the protection of heritage, such as UNESCO’s campaign begun in 2001 for the adoption of a Convention on the protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (Unesco.org 2001). Despite all the arguments against « treasure hunting » companies, the Convention is far from being universally accepted by sovereign governments, who do not seem prepared to make the companies’ practices illegal. The methods used by the companies are also a source of friction with archaeologists. However, knowledge of their field methods seems rather incomplete, and contrary to some preconceived notions, these companies are not « grave robbers » working under the dark, but indeed duly registered companies working in full legality and even entering into contractual agreements with governments. This thesis aims to shed light on the activities of the underwater treasure hunting industry by studying their methods and operations as they have developed in the last ten years. In order to conceptualise the companies’ practices, we look at the relation between archaeological and business ethics.

Based on Ph. D. Thesis--University of Southampton, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.