Research project LAMP: Languages and Myths of Prehistory
Due to recent advances in ancient genetics, a new picture of prehistory is emerging. In the LAMP project we cast light on the aspects of prehistoric peoples that make them human: their languages and beliefs.
The project asks three fundamental questions about the early speakers of Indo-European.
How did they talk?
We reconstruct the sounds, grammar and vocabulary of the prehistoric language stages from which the extant languages descend.
What did they talk about?
We compare the relevant parts of the reconstructed vocabulary with mythological and archaeological evidence in order to establish fragments of the myths, poetry and rituals of prehistory.
How can we know?
We integrate the methodologies currently developing in the interfaces between the traditional fields of linguistics, archaeology and mythology.
Project members
Project managers
Jenny Larsson
Professor
Members
David W. Anthony
Professor Emeritus, Hartwick College
Riccardo Ginevra
Researcher, Università Cattolica, Milan
Peter Jackson Rova
Professor
Anders Richardt Jørgensen
Ass. Professor, University of Copenhagen
Anders Kaliff
Professor, Uppsala University
Terje Oestigaard
Ass. Professor, Uppsala University
Thomas Olander
Ass. Professor, University of Copenhagen
Birgit Anette Olsen
Professor, University of Copenhagen
More about this project
Events, publications and appearances in media are listen on LAMP's external website.