Ivan Semyan
Archaeologist, PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Experimental Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Project Researcher at New York University Abu Dhabi

What is it like not just to study the past but to live in it—or even sometimes survive in it? Historical reconstruction, experimental archaeology, and living history offer the opportunity to recreate the material culture of the past and physically experience life in ancient times—from crafts and everyday life to warfare.
In this lecture, we will discuss what an “authentic experience” means and the role it plays in studying humanity. Can reconstruction help us gain a deeper understanding of the mentality and worldview of past peoples? What anthropological mechanisms come into play when a modern person immerses themselves in another era? We will examine case studies, explore methodologies, and reflect on where the line between play and science lies.

April 3 at 7:00 pm at 31/4 Charents str. Caucasus Institute building, 3rd floor