Uni-Tübingen

16.09.2024

Tübingen Reloaded: Insights with Archaeologist Dr. Paola Sconzo

In this series, we invite research alumni, who returned to the University of Tübingen on a Tübingen Reloaded grant, to share their insights and reflections by completing 10 sentences. Join us and discover what fuels their curiosity and gain impressions of their stay.

Motya on tour: Paola Sconzo, Silvia Amicone and Efrajm Andreakis at work in Tübingen.

Discover how archaeologist Dr. Paola Sconzo, invited back to the University of Tübingen by Dr. Silvia Rita Amicone (Institute for Pre- and Protohistory and Medieval Archaeology) reflects on her field of research and her stay. Dr. Paola Sconzo is Assistant Professor of Near Eastern, Phoenician and Punic Archaeology at the University of Palermo.

1.    The most exciting aspect of being an archaeologist is...
Delving into the dynamic interplay between human lives and material culture. Every artifact is not just a relic but a key to understanding how tools, art, and everyday objects shaped - and were shaped by - human behavior, culture, and thought. This tangible connection between objects and human experience offers profound insights into the forces that have driven our history.

2.    In my research project at the University of Tübingen, I was...
Investigating how Early Mesopotamian societies defined, acquired, and utilized resources, while also exploring the symbolic meanings they attributed to these materials. This research illuminates the deep intertwining of material goods with cultural and social values in ancient civilizations.

3.    Collaborating with other researchers helps me...
Gain diverse perspectives, enrich my interpretations, and address complex questions with greater depth. Working alongside experts from various disciplines brings new layers of insight, fostering innovation and leading to more nuanced and accurate reconstructions of historical narratives.

4.    One of the biggest challenges I face in my research is...
Navigating the gaps in the archaeological record. Often, the evidence we unearth is incomplete or fragmented, making it challenging to piece together a comprehensive picture of past societies. Interpreting these limited findings demands careful analysis, creative problem-solving, and an acceptance that some aspects of history may remain elusive.

 

5.    If I could explain one concept in archaeology to the entire world, it would be...
The crucial importance of context. An artifact's true value is derived from its surroundings - its location, its relationship to other objects, and what it reveals about the people who made and used it. Without context, artifacts lose much of their significance. Context transforms a simple object into a powerful narrative of human history.

6.    As an archaeologist, I often find inspiration...
In the resilience of past civilizations. Discovering how people adapted to their environments, overcame challenges, and created enduring legacies with limited resources motivates me to continue exploring and uncovering more about our shared history.

7.    If I weren't an archaeologist, I would probably be...
An ethnologist. My passion for understanding human cultures would likely lead me to a field where I could still delve into the stories and societies that shape our world.

8.    When I'm not in the excavation, I enjoy...
Traveling, and again traveling.

9.    Coming from Italy, I'm intrigued by this aspect of German culture..
I'm particularly fascinated by Germany's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, evident in its sophisticated recycling systems and pioneering focus on green technologies.

10. My favorite thing about Tübingen is...
The view over the Neckar River and the old town from Hohentübingen Castle, where I worked for a long time.

Contact details
Paola Sconzo, PhD
Assistant Professor of Near Eastern, Phoenician and Punic Archaeology (L-OR-05/L-OR/06)
Department of Culture and Society
Viale delle Scienze, edificio 15
90128 Palermo - Italy
T: +3909123899559
https://www.unipa.it/dipartimenti/cultureesocieta
paola.sconzospam prevention@unipa.it
https://www.facebook.com/MoziaUniPa/
https://www.instagram.com/mozia_unipa/

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