Who we are
Swiss Archaeology is the leading association for archaeology in Switzerland.
We have been committed to the investigation, protection and preservation of archaeological monuments for over 100 years. We provide in-depth archaeological knowledge and facilitate public participation in archaeology and cultural heritage.
Board
Matthieu Demierre
ASA, Lausanne
Anna Kienholz
Christian Mathis
Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich
Kathrin Schäppi
Archaeokontor GmbHCentral office
Editorial board arCHaeo Suisse
Commissions
In order to better accompany and fulfil its tasks, the board may convene commissions.
Science Commission
The Science Commission (SC) is a permanent, voluntary body of Swiss Archaeology and accompanies its scientific activities. The SC’s most important task is the peer review of manuscripts for the scientific publications of Swiss Archaeology, especially the Annual Reviews and the monographic series Antiqua. It can also commission external expert opinions for this purpose. The SC can also comment on research projects or applications for funding submitted to it and answers scientific questions from the Board.
The Commission of Archaeology and Spatial Planning (KAR) is currently dormant.
Annual reports
The annual reports of Swiss Archaeology are published in the Annual Review of Swiss Archaeology of the following year.
Annual Report 2022 from the Annual Review of SA 106 (2023)
Annual Report 2021 from the Annual Review of SA 105 (2022)
Annual Report 2020 from the Annual Review of SA 104 (2021)
Back issues are available on e-periodica.
History
The Swiss Society for Prehistory (SGU) was founded in 1907 with the aim of preserving and studying the archaeological cultural heritage in Switzerland.
Before public institutions for archaeological preservation and research were established in Switzerland, the newly founded society took on the task of systematically documenting archaeological monuments and finds. Today, this historical national documentation is an archive of national importance. The presidents and central secretaries of the SGU played central roles in the development and institutionalisation of archaeology in Switzerland in the coming decades.
After the end of the Second World War, cantonal offices for archaeology and the Federal Office of Culture were successively established. University institutes with chairs for prehistory and early history developed.
The expansion of the motorway network and the Federal Council’s decision to carry out preventive surveys of areas to be built on also gave Swiss archaeology a considerable boost from 1961 onwards. Then, the SGU served as the national coordination office for highway construction.
During these years, the SGU experienced a significant increase in members and developed into a society that focused its work on the exchange between the diversifying professional activities of archaeologists and the interested public. The national documentation was continued in the annual finds reports of the cantonal offices for archaeology in the society’s Annual Review.
The continuous development and expansion of the field of archaeology was also reflected in the society’s name: in 1966 it was renamed the Swiss Society for Prehistory and Early History, and in 2006 it took the name Swiss Archaeology.
Today SA is an association that includes all disciplines in archaeology. After more than 100 years, it is still a society for all those interested in and committed to archaeology in Switzerland. Over time, it has adapted its activities and publications to the needs of its members and the public. At present, one of its main tasks has become the networking of the many different players in Swiss archaeology.
Four articles from the Annual Review 90 (2007), published on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Swiss Archaeology / Swiss Society for Prehistory and Early History.
