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Reuniting Practice and Research in Ancient Craftworking

CRAFTs in Antiquity 2026

First Connecting Research Approaches to Fabrication and Trades in Antiquity Conference

Brno, Czech Republic, 4 – 6 November

Welcome to the first CRAFTs in Antiquity Conference

We are happy to announce the upcoming Connecting Research Approaches to Fabrication and Trades in Antiquity (CRAFTs in Antiquity) conference. This event will bring together craftspeople and researchers from all fields of craftworking whose research and practical experience illuminate the artisan traditions of ancient Europe and the Mediterranean (c. 1000 BCE – 1000 CE). Through both academic papers and practical demonstrations, the aim is to share expertise that deepens our understanding and appreciation of ancient craftworking techniques.

This is the first instalment of what we plan to establish as an annual gathering of academics, craftspeople, and enthusiasts of ancient craftworking. This edition will be hosted by the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Brno from 4 to 6 November.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

We are pleased to announce the Call for Participants for the Connecting Research Approaches to Fabrication and Trades in Antiquity (CRAFTs in Antiquity) conference. The event aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice and will therefore feature both academic papers and posters and hands-on craft demonstrations.

This call welcomes both presenters and demonstrators. We also encourage participation from academics interested in showcasing craftwork, as well as craftspeople who wish to present research-based papers. Our goal is to bring researchers and craftspeople together to share knowledge, skills, and insights into ancient craftworking.

The conference has a broad scope, and contributions on any craft techniques from ancient Europe and the Mediterranean (c. 1000 BCE–1000 CE) are welcome. Each edition highlights a specific theme; this year, we focus on metalworking techniques, practices, and products.

If you would like to participate with a paper or a demonstration, please complete the registration form below. For further enquiries, contact us at: craftsinantiquity@gmail.com