On February 20, the National Museum of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Archaeological Society invite the public to a new cycle of Archaeology Evenings – the 22nd Marija Gimbutiene Readings. This year’s programme features five events, during which ten presentations will be delivered. More than fifteen speakers will share their latest archaeological discoveries and research findings, ranging from Lithuania to the distant Andes.bThe events will take place in the Old Arsenal Hall of the National Museum of Lithuania (Arsenalo St. 3, Vilnius). For those unable to attend in person, recordings will be available on the museum’s YouTube channel.

The Marija Gimbutiene Readings is a long-standing series of public lectures, now in its twenty-second year, dedicated to one of the most renowned Lithuanian archaeologists – Professor Marija Gimbutas (1921–1994), an expert on Old European civilization and the founder of the field of archaeomythology. This year’s lectures will cover the latest archaeological projects, discoveries, and the experiences of Lithuanian archaeologists investigating prominent international archaeological sites.

The first event on February 20 will open with a presentation by Dr. Vykintas Vaitkevičius titled “The (In)visible Side of the Eastern Lithuanian Barrow Culture”. The speaker will reveal how digital technologies offer a new perspective on the spatial patterns of ancient burial mounds.

The second part of the evening will shift focus to South American archaeology. Researcher Šarūnas Subatavičius will present “From the Andes to the Atacama: Experiences of Archaeological Research in Peru”, where he will share his fieldwork insights from excavations of the Tiwanaku culture cemetery at La Pampilla and other discoveries made in Peru.

On March 6, Algirdas Kalinauskas will pose the question “Has Everything Been Excavated at the Ancient Šventoji Settlement?”, while Dr. Kęstutis Peseckas will discuss the search for Finno-Ugric traces in Lithuania.

On March 20, Dr. Lijana Muradian will explore the origins of cremation practices in Lithuania, and Dr. Daiva Steponavičienė will present on ancient textile weaving technologies uncovered through archaeology.

On April 3, Lukas Gaižauskas will present the findings of research into Mesolithic campsites in southeastern and southern Lithuania. Researchers Dalia Ostrauskienė, Renata Prielgauskienė, Rasa Nazarovaitė, and Dr. Eglė Šatavičė will discuss Stone Age ornaments made from hare teeth.

On April 17, Associate Professor Dr. Gintautas Zabiela will delve into the mysterious finds from Lake Paršežeris, and Dr. Povilas Blaževičius, together with an international team of researchers, will share the exceptional story of a 17th-century girl’s remains—how an ornate cap became the starting point of a major archaeological investigation.

Organised by the National Museum of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Archaeological Society, these public meetings not only offer insights into the latest archaeological discoveries, but also invite a deeper understanding of the mysteries of the past. All those interested in history, archaeology, and cultural heritage are welcome to join these engaging lectures and discussions.

Programme and more information: www.lnm.lt, [email protected]
National Museum of Lithuania YouTube channel: Click here