University of Southampton

Graduate Student, Archaeology

Thesis Title: Reconstructing the Greek Neolithic: A spatial analysis of Neolithic domestic occupation in the Aegean, focused on computation and representation

About

Costas Papadopoulos was born and grew up in Piraeus, Greece. He studied History and Archaeology at the University of Crete (Major in Archaeology and History of Art), and graduated in 2007 with a First Class result. During his studies he got prizes from the State’s Scholarships Foundation and the Merchant Seamen’s Fund for his excellent performance. He continued his studies at the University of Southampton receiving a Master of Science in Archaeological Computing (Virtual Pasts) with a distinction. He is especially interested in computer-based analysis of computer graphic simulations as valuable tools to provide a better understanding of the past. As a PhD candidate at the University of Southampton, develops his skills on modern methodological tools and virtual reality in archaeology, attempting a spatial analysis of Greek Neolithic domestic occupation focused on computation and representation.

His research interests are mainly focused on prehistory, and especially on the way that sophisticated technologies enable analytical comparisons of architectural datasets currently reduced to abstract plans and elevations. The consequent interpretations provide invaluable information for the tangible and intangible elements of prehistoric culture, which are not accessible by conventional means.

He has worked as a supervising archaeologist in the excavation of the peak sanctuary of Vrysinas (Director Prof. Iris Tzachili), Zominthos (Directors Prof. Yannis Sakellarakis & Dr Efi Sapouna-Sakellarakis) and Koutroulou Magoula (Directors Dr Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika & Prof. Yannis Hamilakis), as well as in the surveys of Vrysinas and Thirasia (Director Iris Tzachili). He founded, the amateur team “Modern Archaeological Documentaries,” which has taken part in National and International Festivals. He is also member of the Archaeological Computing Research Group (ACRG) of the University of Southampton, Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Psiloritis Monuments at Crete and elected member of the Institute for Archaeologists (IFA).

He has presented his work at the 2nd Conference of Prehistoric Archaeology, Computer Applications, and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Virtual Reality, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (VAST),the Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG), Visualisation in Archaeology (ViA) etc.. He has published several articles on the computer graphic simulations of physically accurate prehistoric environments and a monograph entitled ''Death Management & Virtual Pursuits: A virtual reconstruction of the Minoan cemetery at Phourni, Archanes, examining the use of Tholos Tomb C and Burial Building 19 and the role of illumination, in relation to mortuary practices and the perception of life and death by the living''

He is currently working in Zominthos Project and Koutroulou Magoula Archaeology and Archaeological Ethnography Project, while is co-editing a multi-authored volume on Archaeological Computing and the Interpretive Process.

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