Deposits (also named Hoards) as a category of archaeological finds are known since the Palaeolithic, specifically characteristic for the Early Metal Periods, and are produced until today. Hoards (Collections of objects, which are not directly part of settlements or graves) were first studied for the construction of chronological sequences and lifespans of specific object types. The basic assumption was that all objects deposited at a given time in a hoard had circulated during the same period. This aspect is still of importance today, but the main chronological sequences are established. Simultaneously the question of the motivation behind the deposition of hoards was put at an early stage of research - up to now two main directions are discussed: on the one hand religious-ritual reasons are proposed („Gifts to the Gods“), on the other hand more profane backgrounds may be considered (Material value, raw material of craftsmen, hidden values at times of unrest, insecurity or war). During the lecture an introduction to the topic is given, based on selected examples from various periods, and in the Seminar exemplary finds of hoards and interpüretation are to be worked on. Knowledge of foreign languages is necessary! close

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