Archaeology as a bridge between past and future - Luc Amkreutz Appointed 8th Eugène Dubois visiting professor

Amkreutz’s work goes beyond merely describing discoveries. "We are living through the third scientific revolution in archaeology," he says. "After uncovering the antiquity of humanity and the advent of carbon dating, we now use DNA analysis, isotope research, and big data to bring the past to life. These techniques sometimes bring us intimately close to people from the distant past: we know what they looked like, where they came from, what they ate, and what diseases they suffered from."

His approach is inherently multidisciplinary. "I am a prehistorian, but I collaborate with geneticists, geologists, and data analysts. Only through this synergy can we address major questions." At Maastricht University, he sees opportunities to strengthen this approach, for example, through partnerships with the Maastricht Science Programme, the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, and the Connexxion Lab, where science communication is central. "Here, we can combine techniques from different disciplines, from imaging to DNA analysis, and translate the results for a broad audience."

A native of Limburg

Amkreutz’s connection to Limburg is both personal and professional. "I grew up in the Limburg loess landscape and, as a child, and later student, I combed the fields around the flint mines of Rijckholt-St. Geertruid. These mines are an icon of European prehistory: they produced 20 million kilograms of flint, exported as far as southern Germany. This area was one of the first major production centres on our continent. It gave people the tools to cultivate land and settle as farmers." He sees potential in using modern techniques to shed new light on these mines. "How can we learn more about the trade networks, the techniques, and the people behind this early industry?"