Why was the archaeological past so important to the future of Germany for Hitler, Himmler and the Nazi Party? Why was the past so necessary as a motivator for the German people?

Answer the following questions about the video.

1. According to University of Minnesota archaeologist Dr. Bettina Arnold, why does a wall of silence seem to prevent modern German archaeologists from speaking out about the role of archaeology in Nazi propaganda? What is the background story to this silence?

2. Why was the archaeological past so important to the future of Germany for Hitler, Himmler and the Nazi Party? Why was the past so necessary as a motivator for the German people?

3. What concept was the main organizing principle of the Nazi doctrine and world view? What were some of the stories and symbols used by Hitler to promote the Indo-Germanic heritage?

4. According to Historian Paul Bookbinder, why did the SS fund archaeological projects in conquered territories?

5. The Ahnenerbe (Ancestor History) Organization was run by Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, and other influential members of the Nazi Party. What were some of its goals and projects? How did archaeologists funded by the Ahnenerbe contribute to the overall goals of the Third Reich?

Last Completed Projects