Summer Excavation Opportunities in Romania
From Andre Gonciar, Director at ArchaeoTek:
We are continuing to make great strides into a new understanding of the development of the Roman frontier populations. Dacia (i.e. modern historical Transylvania) was, arguably, the most important frontier of the Roman Empire: its gold and silver sustained the collapsing imperial economy for two centuries. However, the “imperial idea” on the Eastern European Provincial frontier was more complex that Rome ever expected it… and it even outlasted the idea of Rome itself. Local Roman Provincial realities, born out of economic, cultural, social and political creolization, constant and dynamic negotiation of power, and shifting populations have outlived the ideological centers that have claimed historical ownership of these regions, creating their own distinct expressions of identity.
Our programs offer a very extensive approach to the anthropology and archaeology of the Roman frontier environments, through field work, laboratory analysis and lectures. Our participants will be able to experience several field approaches, ranging from Classical excavation, anthropological site exploration, traditional STP (shovel test pit), and geochemical (phosphate analysis). To further expand their skill set our participants can opt to our intensive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Applications Workshop. Our programs provide an anthropological and scientifically integrated approach to a Classical site, in a very complex environment, in a region fundamentally important to our understanding of European genesis.
Our programs:
Roman Villa Excavation – Identity and Wealth on the Roman Frontier
Location: Rapolt, Hunedoara County, Transylvania – Romania
Dates:
Session 1: (June 10 – June 30, 2018) FULL
Session 2: July 1 – July 21, 2018
Session 3: July 22 – August 11, 2018
Team Size: 12-15 participants per session
E-mail: archaeology@archaeotek.org
Description: The integrated results of our various field techniques have yielded extraordinary results: a rural built space of ca. one hectare, with massive fortification walls decorated with exterior frescoes, with richly built two stories buildings, containing exceptional artifacts (well preserved bronze statues, jewelry, pristine condition coins, writing implements, etc.). Our target excavation, the central building of the “villa” has already presented us with a very complex and surprising occupation sequence and practices. We will continue to explore the way identity is built and negotiated in a very dynamic and rich frontier environment. Cost: US$ 1295 per session (program fees, equipment, room and board – see flyer for details).
Web Site: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/roman-villa-excavation
Application Form: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/application-excavation
Roman Provincial Settlement Excavation and Survey – Life by the Imperial Roads
Location: Rapolt, Hunedoara County, Transylvania – Romania
Dates:
Session 1: (June 10 – June 30, 2018) FULL
Session 2: July 1 – July 21, 2018
Session 3: July 22 – August 11, 2018
Team Size: 4-6 participants per session
E-mail: archaeology@archaeotek.org
Description: As an extension of the Roman Villa Excavation, this field school integrates Classical excavation approaches with various exploratory field techniques, ranging from STP (shovel test pits), geochemical soil analysis (phosphate spot testing), and surface field collection coupled with topographical total station assisted mapping. We will be looking at the transformation of the countryside in relation to the development of the Imperial road river infrastructure, and the role of our “palatial villa” in the development of a “creole” Roman landscape. Cost: US$ 1295 per session (program fees, equipment, room and board – see flyer for details).
Web Site: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/roman-settlement-excavation
Application Form: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/application-excavation
Applied Field Geophysics Workshop – Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Workshop
Location: Rapolt, Hunedoara County, Transylvania – Romania
Dates: 6-day intensive GPR program (session dates available on project website and application form)
Team Size: 3 participants per session
E-mail: archaeology@archaeotek.org
Description: Our program offers intensive training in Ground Penetrating Radar exploration techniques, both field and laboratory analysis, as it applies to the anthropogenic transformation of a historical landscape. Our two case studies are the hinterland of the “palatial villa” from our active excavation above and associated structures, roads and land use; and the multi-layered, multi-occupation from late Prehistory to present day site of Micia. Cost: US$ 985 per session (program fees, equipment, full room and board).
Web Site: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/applied-field-geophysics-gpr
Application Form: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/application-geophysics
Our participants will not only explore the archaeology of the region, but have the opportunity to sample the magic of Transylvania, through its amazing historical and natural landscapes.
Our programs are available for both credit students and non-credit participants.