Head of the department: Mgr. Petr Květina, Ph.D.
Deputy: PhDr. Miroslav Dobeš
Department of prehistorical archaeology represents an administrative unit in the structure of the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, v.v.i.
Department of prehistorical archaeology specializes in field and theoretical research of the development of human culture in Europe from the beginnings of mankind up to the Migration Period. Besides investigation of particular time periods, disposing of specialists in Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Early and Old Aeneolithic, Bronze Age, Hallstatt, Latene and Roman Periods, the department members are also engaged in research of various topics outreaching the framework of particular cultures: settlement structure, central places issues, social structure of prehistoric society, prehistoric trade, communications in the prehistory of Bohemia, typology of artefacts, the origin of fillings of prehistoric features, metallurgy of non-ferrous metals, rise and development of iron working in Central Europe.
The specialists are also concerned with analysis, evaluation and publishing of large field excavations performed in past decades at significant sites such as Bylany, Kutná Hora – Dänemark, Lovosice, Vladař, Vliněves, Závist. As a part of the department also the research station Bylany and the workplace Kutná Hora are operating. The department workers cooperate narrowly with the Institute of Prehistory and Early History at the Charles University where they are giving lectures, organize specialized seminars, excursions as well as field practices.
