Balkan Archaeology as a Laboratory: Ex Novo: Journal of Archaeology 7 (2022) & 8 (2023)

This edition presents Ex Novo Volumes 7 and 8 together in a single publication, bringing into dialogue two complementary explorations of archaeology’s engagement with society, identity, and disciplinary traditions. Volume 7 examines the complex relationships between the past and present, tracing how historical narratives, mythology, and activism intersect in shaping contemporary identities.The contributions highlight archaeology as a discipline rooted not only in the recovery of material remains but also in the ongoing negotiation of cultural memory, nationalism, and societal constructs. Volume 8 turns to the field of Balkan archaeology, drawing on papers originally presented at the 28th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists in Budapest.This volume interrogates the socio-political frameworks that have shaped archaeological practice in the Balkans, questioning long-standing interpretive paradigms and highlighting the challenges of integrating new theoretical appro