Paul Jacobsthal as a Representative of Marburg Archaeology 1912–1937

Paul Jacobsthal’s work is of outstanding importance for the development of the archaeological disciplines and collections at Philipps University Marburg. He played a key role in the design of the ‘Jubilee Building’ (opened in 1927), which continues to house these disciplines at the university to this day. It was on his initiative that the Seminar for Prehistory—the first university institute for prehistory and early history on the European mainland—was founded, and the archaeological teaching collections were also systematically expanded. The greatest loss in the history of the Archaeological Seminar was Jacobsthal’s dismissal from office during the National Socialist era, an event that abruptly cut short his academic plans and personal prospects. Marking the 500th anniversary of Philipps University, this exhibition recalls the university’s centenary celebrations a century ago and illustrates Jacobsthal’s enduring legacy in Marburg through objects from the archaeological collections, documentary evidence, and recent research conducted in this tradition.