49. évfolyam, 2003. 4. szám
Archívum

Hungarian

Archaeology and its professional literature

KOVÁCS, Valéria

 

Könyvtári Figyelő (Library Review) New Series 13. (Vol. 49.) No. 4. 2003. pp.   788 – 806.

In Hungary, scientific archaeological activities started in the 19th century. Its development was fostered by the organisation of the country’s scientific life, the educational reform, and the birth of scientific publishing. The author gives a definition of archaeology and presents its research areas, secondary sciences and the most important publications in Hungarian language. The scientific activity of a few famous Hungarian archaeologists (Flóris Rómer, Imre Henszlmann, János Érdy) is also summarised. The formation of the Archaeological Committee of the Hungarian Scientists’ Society, then the launch of the Archaeological Journal in 1868 were also important milestones in the history of Hungarian archaeology. It was the journal that radically improved the public awareness of both archaeology and the collection of antiques. At its early stages, the journal’s main mission was the promotion of archaeology. It was informing readers about national excavations, about museum developments, but also about the most important international research activities. Later, in addition to its main focus on historical monuments, it expanded its areas of interests to the history of fine arts and applied arts. The initial promoting feature was lessened and the journal gradually became a forum for experts. It is also the journal’s merit that by the end of the first period of Hungarian archaeology (end of the 19th century), the sub-disciplines were set out, the Hungarian terminology was born and archaeology became an academic discipline tought at universities.

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár
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