‘What a Wonderful Past’! Material Culture and Archaeological Representations in Greek Primary History Textbooks (1974–2020)

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of archaeology in Greek formal education based on a research of the primary history textbooks of three different periods (1974–86, 1986–2006, 2006–20). The sample data was analysed using quantitative and qualitative methodologies in order to examine representations, perceptions, and attitudes concerning archaeology and material culture imprinted within their textual content. The research revealed a significant presence of archaeological information and a plurality of meanings with which archaeology is invested, reflecting the dominant role of textbooks as teaching tools and agents of official historical knowledge and the multifaceted impact of archaeology on Greek society.