Tübingen Reloaded: Insights with Archaeologist Dr. Paola Sconzo

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.