Europa Postmediaevalis 2026 – Three-Day Programme Overview
During the three days of the Europa Postmediaevalis - Fragments of Buried Stories conference in Zadar, which brought together domestic and international experts, a comprehensive scientific and accompanying programme was presented, devoted to post-medieval archaeology and the interpretation of material culture.
The opening ceremony took place at the Education and Presentation Centre for Underwater Archaeology St. Nicholas. Introductory remarks were offered by Mladen Pešić, PhD, Director of the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, prof. Zvjezdan Penezić, PhD, Vice Rector for Science and Information Infrastructure, University of Zadar, Kristýna Matějková, PhD, representative of the Centre for Processing, Documentation and Recording of Archaeological Finds (Centrum pro zpracování, dokumentaci a evidenci archeologických nálezů, z.ú.) and Andrea Cukrov, head of the Department of Archaeology and delegate of the Ministry of Culture and Media.
The first day of the program featured a series of thematic presentations that treated ceramics as a primary source for reconstructing everyday life. It ended with a practical ceramics painting workshop led by Martina Ćurković, head of the Conservation and Restoration Department, which gave participants direct, hands on experience with the material.
The second day addressed questions of consumption, meaning and the interpretation of ceramic finds within a European framework. Special attention was drawn to the presentation of the monograph Clay Tobacco Pipes in Croatia, authored by Luka Bekić, PhD, and introduced by Josip Višnjić, PhD, assistant professor at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, and Karla Gusar, PhD, University of Zadar, as well as to the inauguration of the accompanying exhibition.
On the third day, hosted at the University of Zadar, sessions concentrated on the development of research approaches and methodological frameworks for the study of post medieval ceramics. The Head of the Department of Archaeology, prof. Dario Vujević, PhD, addressed the participants in his welcoming speech. Presentations highlighted the integration of scientific analyses with typological and contextual reassessments, underscoring the role of ceramics as a critical witness to past social practices.
The conference concluded with final presentations and a synthesis of the principal outcomes. As part of the programme, participants were offered organized visits to the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Archaeological Museum in Zadar, together with a guided tour of the historic city centre led by Mrs Ines Šelendić Taras.
We extend our gratitude to all participants, lecturers and organizers for their valuable contribution, and everyone who contributed to the successful realization of this scientific conference in Zadar.
