Matthias Hoernes
@matthiashoernes.bsky.social
Mediterranean archaeologist | passionate about the funerary archaeology of pre-Roman southern Italy, food (in archaeology and in real life), university collections, and much more | researching, teaching and learning @univie.ac.at
A sweet tooth caught in the act – a mouse ignores the fruit and goes straight for the tartlet. Terracotta plate from Taranto, 3rd century BCE. Basel, Antikenmuseum und Sammlung Ludwig #Archaeology 🏺
November 9, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A sweet tooth caught in the act – a mouse ignores the fruit and goes straight for the tartlet. Terracotta plate from Taranto, 3rd century BCE. Basel, Antikenmuseum und Sammlung Ludwig #Archaeology 🏺
I admit that this marvellous sandwich gold glass bowl, which travelled from the eastern Mediterranean to Canosa in Apulia, is a clickbait image. Please take a look at the CfP for our 2026 conference on mobility and networks in pre-Roman Italy. #Archaeology 🏺London, BM 1871,0518.2.
November 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I admit that this marvellous sandwich gold glass bowl, which travelled from the eastern Mediterranean to Canosa in Apulia, is a clickbait image. Please take a look at the CfP for our 2026 conference on mobility and networks in pre-Roman Italy. #Archaeology 🏺London, BM 1871,0518.2.
Tomorrow, I present my research on quantitatve trends in teaching "Classical" archaeology in German-speaking countries. And this is how AI imagines us... So much irritation – where do I start? The gender, the clothing, the pose, the torch, this military-style leather thingy? #Archaeology 🏺
October 29, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Tomorrow, I present my research on quantitatve trends in teaching "Classical" archaeology in German-speaking countries. And this is how AI imagines us... So much irritation – where do I start? The gender, the clothing, the pose, the torch, this military-style leather thingy? #Archaeology 🏺
Here is another glimpse into our progress: 3D printing is advancing steadily, while high-resolution RTI imaging is successfully detecting and documenting fine painted details. It is rewarding to see the different parts of the project aligning so well. #Archaeology 🏺
October 23, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Here is another glimpse into our progress: 3D printing is advancing steadily, while high-resolution RTI imaging is successfully detecting and documenting fine painted details. It is rewarding to see the different parts of the project aligning so well. #Archaeology 🏺
📣 It is always a bit conceited to advertise a paper publication, but this project was great fun thanks to the fabulous team involved. If you are interested in miniature pottery, please take a look. doi.org/10.1177/1469... #Archaeology 🏺
October 22, 2025 at 4:34 PM
📣 It is always a bit conceited to advertise a paper publication, but this project was great fun thanks to the fabulous team involved. If you are interested in miniature pottery, please take a look. doi.org/10.1177/1469... #Archaeology 🏺
📣 In February next year, the "Etruscan and Italic Communities" network will meet in Vienna to discuss various forms of networks and mobilities in pre-Roman Italy. We would love to hear your paper, so please check out the Call for Papers. ➡️ www.academia.edu/143782531/Ca... #Archaeology 🏺
September 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
📣 In February next year, the "Etruscan and Italic Communities" network will meet in Vienna to discuss various forms of networks and mobilities in pre-Roman Italy. We would love to hear your paper, so please check out the Call for Papers. ➡️ www.academia.edu/143782531/Ca... #Archaeology 🏺
It was fascinating to see the 3D printer in action. This support structure will soon be proudly carrying the fragments of the Polygnotos Krater in the @univie.ac.at Archaeological Collection. Many thanks to www.archaeo-perspectives.at for their enthusiasm. #Archaeology 🏺
September 2, 2025 at 11:36 AM
It was fascinating to see the 3D printer in action. This support structure will soon be proudly carrying the fragments of the Polygnotos Krater in the @univie.ac.at Archaeological Collection. Many thanks to www.archaeo-perspectives.at for their enthusiasm. #Archaeology 🏺
After touring around Basilicata and Calabria for four weeks, I am heading back to Napoli, but I could not leave southern Italy without spending a night in Sala Consilina in the Vallo di Diano (Campania). #Archaeology #photography #ThePhotoHour
August 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
After touring around Basilicata and Calabria for four weeks, I am heading back to Napoli, but I could not leave southern Italy without spending a night in Sala Consilina in the Vallo di Diano (Campania). #Archaeology #photography #ThePhotoHour
Tiriolo, located in Calabria, boasts majestic views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts, as well as incredible archaeology such as the early Hellenistic 'Palazzo dei Delfini', the chamber tomb, and the iconic helmet with its fancy hairstyle (today in Catanzaro). #Archaeology 🏺
August 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Tiriolo, located in Calabria, boasts majestic views of both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts, as well as incredible archaeology such as the early Hellenistic 'Palazzo dei Delfini', the chamber tomb, and the iconic helmet with its fancy hairstyle (today in Catanzaro). #Archaeology 🏺
Many thanks to the colleagues at Metaponto. Despite the museum being a huge construction site, they found time to browse their storerooms with me. It is hard to imagine such enthusiasm, effort, and hospitality outside of southern Italy. #Archaeology 🏺
August 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Many thanks to the colleagues at Metaponto. Despite the museum being a huge construction site, they found time to browse their storerooms with me. It is hard to imagine such enthusiasm, effort, and hospitality outside of southern Italy. #Archaeology 🏺
My second stop was Cirò and Cirò Marina. Huge thanks to many people, including the amazing Soprintendenza di Catanzaro e Crotone, for giving me access to materials, making countless calls to organise things, showing me around the region, and sharing their knowledge and passion. #Archaeology 🏺
July 23, 2025 at 2:19 PM
My second stop was Cirò and Cirò Marina. Huge thanks to many people, including the amazing Soprintendenza di Catanzaro e Crotone, for giving me access to materials, making countless calls to organise things, showing me around the region, and sharing their knowledge and passion. #Archaeology 🏺
We are deeply grateful for the funding. To celebrate this, some photos from San Chirico Raparo. One of the Lucanian tombs there contained this extravagant black-gloss fountain model, and they also had an abundance of lead barbecue equipment that we are going to analyse. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
July 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
We are deeply grateful for the funding. To celebrate this, some photos from San Chirico Raparo. One of the Lucanian tombs there contained this extravagant black-gloss fountain model, and they also had an abundance of lead barbecue equipment that we are going to analyse. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
Whenever I have time, I try to visit the burial plots that I work on, and the ones in Lucania never fail to amaze me with their views of the landscape.
San Martino d'Agri, Tempa Cagliozzo; with some of the assemblages displayed in the Museum of Grumento Nova. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
San Martino d'Agri, Tempa Cagliozzo; with some of the assemblages displayed in the Museum of Grumento Nova. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
July 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Whenever I have time, I try to visit the burial plots that I work on, and the ones in Lucania never fail to amaze me with their views of the landscape.
San Martino d'Agri, Tempa Cagliozzo; with some of the assemblages displayed in the Museum of Grumento Nova. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
San Martino d'Agri, Tempa Cagliozzo; with some of the assemblages displayed in the Museum of Grumento Nova. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
This is Susi, my new local collaborator this year. Her constant efforts are very much appreciated. #dogsofbluesky #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
July 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
This is Susi, my new local collaborator this year. Her constant efforts are very much appreciated. #dogsofbluesky #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
As seen here from the Sacro Monte di Viggiano, the Agri Valley embodies everything I love about Basilicata: majestic mountains, deep oak woods, rivers, hillside towns, and incredible archaeology. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
July 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
As seen here from the Sacro Monte di Viggiano, the Agri Valley embodies everything I love about Basilicata: majestic mountains, deep oak woods, rivers, hillside towns, and incredible archaeology. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
Driving through the oak forests of Basilicata's Agri Valley feels like coming home. The first stop on this summer's trip is Grumento Nova, and I am extremely grateful to the Museum for opening its doors wide to support my current research and future collaboration. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
July 14, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Driving through the oak forests of Basilicata's Agri Valley feels like coming home. The first stop on this summer's trip is Grumento Nova, and I am extremely grateful to the Museum for opening its doors wide to support my current research and future collaboration. #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
Working in academia is not always fun, but when you collaborate with welcoming, warm-hearted colleagues like I did today at the splendid Museo Barracco archive, you are reminded of the reasons behind your work. Many thanks! #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
June 23, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Working in academia is not always fun, but when you collaborate with welcoming, warm-hearted colleagues like I did today at the splendid Museo Barracco archive, you are reminded of the reasons behind your work. Many thanks! #Archaeology 🏺 #AcademicSky
There is so much to say about the 3rd-century Capena plate, but for me, the baby elephant is still the star, albeit a poor one. Archaeological escapism at a time that feels like the eve of the next world war. 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺 Rome, Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
June 22, 2025 at 11:37 AM
There is so much to say about the 3rd-century Capena plate, but for me, the baby elephant is still the star, albeit a poor one. Archaeological escapism at a time that feels like the eve of the next world war. 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺 Rome, Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
📣 Save the date and join us to discuss Classics pedagogy in German-speaking countries. How can we organise study programmes, address professional diversification, and strike a balance between research-oriented education and vocational training? #Archaeology 🏺
🔜 www.kleinefaecher.de/beitraege/bl...
🔜 www.kleinefaecher.de/beitraege/bl...
June 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📣 Save the date and join us to discuss Classics pedagogy in German-speaking countries. How can we organise study programmes, address professional diversification, and strike a balance between research-oriented education and vocational training? #Archaeology 🏺
🔜 www.kleinefaecher.de/beitraege/bl...
🔜 www.kleinefaecher.de/beitraege/bl...
Now for the negative: a beautifully detailed mould of a terracotta banqueter lying on his bed with his shoes underneath, and a table with plates, fruit and food. Taranto, first half of the 5th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
June 12, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Now for the negative: a beautifully detailed mould of a terracotta banqueter lying on his bed with his shoes underneath, and a table with plates, fruit and food. Taranto, first half of the 5th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Another example of the perfection of southern Italian terracotta artefacts: a polychrome female head, the findspot and identification of which are unknown. Taranto, 4th c. BCE (?), 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
June 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Another example of the perfection of southern Italian terracotta artefacts: a polychrome female head, the findspot and identification of which are unknown. Taranto, 4th c. BCE (?), 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
As someone with a soft spot for turtles, I have mixed feelings about this one, but I am also interested in tortoiseshell lyres, such as this 5th-century BCE piece from Taranto. 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
May 31, 2025 at 4:39 PM
As someone with a soft spot for turtles, I have mixed feelings about this one, but I am also interested in tortoiseshell lyres, such as this 5th-century BCE piece from Taranto. 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
A highlight of early Hellenistic Taranto is the stunning terracotta group of Orpheus and the Sirens, recently returned from the Getty to Italy. While striking, their original setting, possibly on a funerary monument, remains a mystery.
Taranto, late 4th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, late 4th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
May 10, 2025 at 12:42 PM
A highlight of early Hellenistic Taranto is the stunning terracotta group of Orpheus and the Sirens, recently returned from the Getty to Italy. While striking, their original setting, possibly on a funerary monument, remains a mystery.
Taranto, late 4th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, late 4th c. BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Form follows function? A nutcracker designed as pressed bronze hands with an internal hinge and beautifully decorated gold bracelets. A must for every kitchen drawer.
Taranto, late 4th/early 3rd century BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, late 4th/early 3rd century BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
May 3, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Form follows function? A nutcracker designed as pressed bronze hands with an internal hinge and beautifully decorated gold bracelets. A must for every kitchen drawer.
Taranto, late 4th/early 3rd century BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, late 4th/early 3rd century BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
After Canosa, I'd like to start a series of posts about Taranto, whose MArTA is a must-see in southern Italy. Here's something small to start with: a terracotta model of an old nanny looking after a sleeping baby in a cradle and a dog snuggled up to it.
Taranto, 350–325 BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, 350–325 BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
April 27, 2025 at 8:07 AM
After Canosa, I'd like to start a series of posts about Taranto, whose MArTA is a must-see in southern Italy. Here's something small to start with: a terracotta model of an old nanny looking after a sleeping baby in a cradle and a dog snuggled up to it.
Taranto, 350–325 BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺
Taranto, 350–325 BCE, 📷 by me #Archaeology 🏺