Abstract
Classical archaeology has been part of the academic landscape in Poznań since 1919, initially as a secondary focus alongside prehistoric and medieval studies. In the 1970s, Poznań scholars emphasized the importance of archaeological theory, referencing indigenous methodologies from the 1980s while gradually incorporating external influences, particularly from the Anglo-Saxon academic tradition. By 1999, classical and oriental archaeology gained independent specialization, allowing for a balanced approach to archaeology theory and methodology across disciplines. The work of archaeologists at Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) reflects a methodological diversity, spanning humanistic and natural science perspectives.
Central to AMU’s archaeological methodology is the understanding that research procedures and theoretical frameworks shape cognitive outcomes. This duality highlights the significance of theory as a lens through which the past is interpreted and represented. Despite some archaeologists' reluctance towards theoretical frameworks, there is a growing recognition of theory's essential role in contemporary archaeological practice, especially in understanding the nature of archaeological sources. The Poznań approach emphasizes the cultural context of archaeological findings, arguing that these sources are not merely empirical data but are imbued with meaning shaped by the archaeologist's interpretive choices.
Furthermore, there is a notable inclination towards integrating humanistic analysis with natural scientific rigor, aligning with contemporary trends such as new materialism. AMU archaeologists advocate for a constructivist perspective, underscoring the symbolic significance of archaeological sources and the necessity of theory in crafting narratives about the past. This interpretive orientation aims to transcend simplistic realism, recognizing the complex interplay between culture and archaeology, ultimately enriching the field's epistemological framework.

First Author: Ewa Bugaj

Keywords:
classical archaeology
theory in calssical archaeology
methodology of archaeology
archaeological methods and theory
classical and oriental archaeology at AMU Poznan