The Department of Ancient Archaeology collects, processes, studies scientifically and professionally, and presents museum artifacts originating from the ancient period in Macedonia – from the beginning of the Classical period (the second half of the 5th century BC) to the end of Antiquity (6th century).

The ancient period in Macedonia is a key stage in the formation of the main components of the civilizational and cultural matrix of the population in the wider Mediterranean region. During and after the conquests of Alexander III of Macedon, Macedonia became the most powerful factor in shaping the history of the entire known world.

In the subsequent period, Macedonia served as a crossroads between the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire, a foundation for the differences and similarities of yet another world empire, which retained its strength throughout the Early Christian period and thus entered into the turbulent events of the Middle Ages.

All these historical achievements, as collective memory, are reflected in the archaeological artifacts studied by the Department of Ancient Archaeology at the National Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Research collects, processes, studies professionally and scientifically, and presents archaeological material that requires a specific working methodology, special conditions for storage and deposition, and a particular approach to conducting field research.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Research includes the following museum collections: Epigraphy and Stone Sculpture, Numismatics (ancient and medieval), Anthropology, and Archaeozoology.
Each of these collections encompasses archaeological and museum material originating from a wide chronological span, covering all periods from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.

The primary activity of the Conservation Department is the conservation and restoration of movable archaeological heritage. The laboratory conserves and restores various objects made of metal, ceramics, glass, and stone, mainly from the museum’s own collection and, depending on capacity and significance, also conserves materials from other institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia.

The conservation of objects is carried out by professional conservators–restorers from the field of fine arts and chemical technicians. In addition to its primary activities, the laboratory traditionally cultivates the production of souvenirs and replicas of some of the exhibits.

The department exchanges experience with related institutions in the field of restoration and conservation of archaeological objects, including institutes, conservation centers, and laboratories both domestically and abroad.

Emilija Miteva – Head of the Department of Conservation and Restoration
📧 emilijamiteva17@gmail.com

The Documentation Department is responsible for the basic museum documentation (entry book, inventory book of museum objects, exit book, exhibition book, card index, and catalog of museum objects) as well as the supplementary museum documentation (book for the safekeeping of museum objects not owned by the museum, newspaper archive, and book for promotional and other events).

The department also preserves reports from archaeological research projects, field documentation maintained by museum staff, photographic documentation, various drawings, and textual notes related to the objects and their archaeological context.

Nikola Hadži–Nikolov – Head of the Department of Documentation
📧 nhadzinikolov@amm.org.mk

The Department of Prehistoric Archaeology consists of five complex collections that chronologically cover the longest period of human existence. Archaeological objects made from a wide variety of materials provide a picture of the development and continuity of prehistoric cultures on the territory of Macedonia, spanning 7,000 years—from the Neolithic period to the Iron Age.

The earliest traces of human existence are evident in the material remains of the Paleolithic collection, corresponding to the Late Middle Paleolithic, around 50,000 BC. Among the material culture preserved in the department, a special place belongs to Neolithic ceramics, which reached full bloom during the Developed Neolithic.

The beliefs and spiritual heritage of Neolithic and Eneolithic populations are reflected in numerous cult objects, altars with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic representations, figurines, and similar artifacts. The turbulent events of the 2nd millennium BC, which left strong marks on material culture, are illustrated by objects from the Bronze Age collection.

Of exceptional importance are the studies and research in this department related to the Paeonian communities, with special emphasis on objects from the group known as the “Macedonian–Paeonian Bronzes.” Distinguished by their unique artistic expression, these artifacts represent original and distinctive items of great significance for the prehistoric Iron Age culture in Macedonia.

The Department of Medieval Archaeology at the National Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia represents the most vital period in the social and historical development of human society, when events were no longer traced in millennia and centuries, as in earlier cultures, but rather in decades, years, and even months.

The historical periods studied within the department and presented in the corresponding part of the exhibition, deeply intertwined with the phases of cultural development, cover the most dynamic segment of human existence in terms of history, politics, administration, religion, material, and spiritual culture.

For this reason, the department is divided into distinct periods: Early Byzantine, Early Medieval, Middle Byzantine, Late Medieval, and the Ottoman period—each of them marked by its own particularities, identity, and integrity.

In this sense, essential importance is given to the emancipation of the individual and their active role in everyday life, participation in regional economic, trade, military, social, religious, and cultural events, all driven by the ambition to be a creator of both personal and collective prosperity.

Thus, this inherent human activity, richly documented through written sources and traced through archaeological remains, must be presented through a wide spectrum of diverse forms—first within the framework of global historical periods, and then through the subtle cultural manifestations defined by the characteristics of material and spiritual culture.

Primary goals of the Department of Marketing and Public Relations

• Development and implementation of a communication strategy aimed at improving the museum’s presence and visibility across social media, the website, media, and online portals.
• Identification of indicators for measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of all communication activities.
• Coordination and logistics for the promotion of exhibitions, conferences, and other events.
• Organization of events and protocol.
• Development and implementation of a plan for improving and regularly updating the museum’s website.
• Preparation of communication materials such as press releases.
• Implementation of activities and projects that build and maintain the institution’s positive public image.
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with tourism professionals; preparation and implementation of cooperation agreements aimed at promoting the museum and increasing visits by foreign tourists.
• Participation in tourism fairs.
• Business communications and cooperation with other institutions, humanitarian organizations, and schools.
• Analysis and recommendations for branding, positioning, preparation, and printing of promotional materials.
• Planning the distribution of printed promotional materials.
• Monitoring sales and visitor feedback and satisfaction.
• Organization and implementation of the museum’s participation in international events.

Contact:
Marketing Advisor
MA Lidija Ilkovska Janusheva – lidijailkovska@gmail.com