Study Abroad: Field School in Archaeology and Geophysics – Roman Frontier Environments in Transylvania (ArcheoTek)

Deadline for Applications: Ongoing Until Filled

ArcheoTek is accepting applications for their Summer 2018 Field School.

Great strides are continuously being made 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.

ArcheoTek programs offer a very extensive approach to the anthropology and archaeology of the Roman frontier environments, through field work, laboratory analysis and lectures. 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, participants can opt for intensive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Applications Workshop. The 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.

Programs offered: 

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 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.). The target excavation, the central building of the “villa” has already presented participants with a very complex and surprising occupation sequence and practices. Participants 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. Participants will be looking at the transformation of the countryside in relation to the development of the Imperial road river infrastructure, and the role of the “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: This 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. These 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

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.

The programs are available for both credit students and non-credit participants.

Flyers:

GPR_Workshop_Syllabus

Roman_Villa_Excavation_2018