‘What a Wonderful Past’! Material Culture and Archaeological Representations in Greek Primary History Textbooks (1974–2020)

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of archaeology in Greek formal education based on a research of the primary history textbooks of three different periods (1974–86, 1986–2006, 2006–20). The sample data was analysed using quantitative and qualitative methodologies in order to examine representations, perceptions, and attitudes concerning archaeology and material culture imprinted within their textual content. The research revealed a significant presence of archaeological information and a plurality of meanings with which archaeology is invested, reflecting the dominant role of textbooks as teaching tools and agents of official historical knowledge and the multifaceted impact of archaeology on Greek society.

keywords:

• archaeological education
• primary history textbooks
• archaeological narratives
• Greek education
• textbooks research
• material culture

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kostas Kasvikis

Kostas Kasvikis is an Assistant Professor of History Didactics and Culture Education in the Department of Primary Education of Florina, University of Western Macedonia, Greece. His research interests are history didactics, archaeological education, museum education, textbooks research, and public archaeology.

Isaia Eleftheriadou

Isaia Eleftheriadou has a Master’s degree in Humanities and New Technologies from the University of Western Macedonia and works as a field archaeologist in the area of Kozani, Greece.