Archaeology News and Announcements

from Brown University's Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

Tag: field work (Page 1 of 2)

Field School Opportunity | Bondi Cave & Kakheti Field School

The Past to Present Archaeology Group is hosting a summer field school at Bondi Cave in Georgia. Bondi Cave is a Palaeolithic cave located in the basin of the Rioni-Kvirila Rivers, in the Imereti region in north-western Georgia, and is one of few cave sites which documents the transition between the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic, cataloguing the demise of the Neanderthals and their replacement by Homo sapiens between 45 and 35 ka BP. To date, the cave has only received limited attention with the excavation of a single trench recording deposits back to the Later Middle Palaeolithic. The Caucasus possesses numerous examples of similiar sites that contain much older artefacts and deposits such as Tsona and Kudaro in Georgia, and Azykh in Azerbaijan. Therefore, it is hypothesised that Bondi Cave may date further back in time to the Lower Palaeolithic.

Situated 10km south west of Bondi Cave, lies an open plateau that following a programme of test-pitting in 2021 has produced numerous Lower and Middle Palaeolithic artefacts including Levallois cores, flakes, tools and handaxes. The area of recovery is quite extensive and possesses multiple outcrops of good quality volcanic raw materials. The site has the potential to be extremely rich, which will be extremely important for helping archaeologists understand how hominins exploited and occupied this fascinating landscape.

This summer, Past to Present Archaeology alongside Dr Niko Tushabramishvili and Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, launch a new research initiative to undertake excavations at both Bondi Cave and Kakheti open site to expand on previous excavations, to explore and document Neanderthal evolutionary history, discover evidence for the Lower Palaeolithic and study extensive artefact bearing deposits in a beautiful open landscape. This is an exciting fieldschool opportunity to excavate rich Palaeolithic deposits and contribute to the understanding of human evolution in the Caucasus. Participants have a choice of site and even have an opportunity to receive expert archaeological training by industry professionals.

Students will learn:

  • Single-context excavation and recording
  • Maintaining accurate site records
  • Archaeological photography
  • Archaeological interpretation and sequencing
  • Drawing archaeological plans and sections to appropriate scales
  • Archaeological survey
  • Artefact retrieval and finds cataloguing
  • Lithic identification and typological analysis
  • Environmental sampling strategies
  • Site conduct and health and safety considerations

Students may choose to be a part of the the project for one to four weeks, allowing the field school to be financially flexible. For more information on how to join this field season, follow this link.

Field School | Methods and Practices of Archaeological Excavation

Are you interested in hands-on experience in archaeological research or Greek archaeology? This summer, the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) is hosting a 2024 Summer Field School course “Anthropology 215: Methods and Practices of Archaeological Excavation” in Thessaloniki, Greece/ It will offer a survey of methodological approaches to the investigation and interpretation of past societies with an emphasis on excavation practices.

In 5 weeks, students will earn 5 credits, while having the ability to immerse themselves in the inspiring city of Thessaloniki. The class breakdown will have a three-week in-class teaching component and then two weeks of outdoor excavation and laboratory practicum opportunities at the site of Toumba.

The application deadline for the Summer 2024 semester is Friday, May 17th. Students can submit their application/ learn about the process here. To apply, please see your home institution’s internal deadline and application process first.

If you have any additional questions about the program, reach out to Dr. Maria Kyriakidou, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences (markyria@act.edu); if you have questions about the application process, reach out to the Associate Director of Enrollment for North America, Angel Elvin (elvin@act.com), or Keshon Kindred, the regional Admissions Counselor and Coordinator (keshon@act.edu)

To see a video testimonial on last year’s field season, follow this link!

Castle by a lake

Blackfriary Archaeology Field School

Blackfriary Field School logo

The Blackfriary Archaeology Field School is hosting a summer session partnered with the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in Trim, Ireland. They are offering two course in summer 2024 (BAFS Summer courses). They are:

  • A four-week course which combines an introductory course with a 2-week advanced course, running from May 7 – 31 and from June 4 – 28.
  • A five-week course, from July 2 to August 2, has a significant bioarchaeology component taught by Dr. Rachel Scott of DePaul University, Chicago.

Both courses give training in excavation and post-excavation methods. The four- and five-week courses are fully accredited through DkIT. Six semester credits (12.5 ECT credits) are offered for the four-week course and 7 -8 (15 ECTs credits) for the five-week course. The May option may be of interest to students whose courses are finished by late April/early May. There is also an unaccredited two-week course which runs throughout the summer.

For students with previous field and/or lab experience, the field school offers internships for a minimum of six weeks in the areas of excavation, post-excavation, and community outreach.

To learn more about the field school and how to apply, access this brochure.

Italy Conservation Summer Field School: San Gemini Preservation Studies

The San Gemini Preservation Studies is accepting applications for their summer field school in historic conservation. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.

Now in its 25th year, with alumni from over 170 colleges and universities worldwide, SGPS is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. They offer students the opportunity to study and travel in Italy where they acquire hands-on experience in restoration and conservation. The following sessions are available for this summer:

Session One (June 3 – 28)

  • Building Restoration – Touching the Stones Restoration of Traditional Masonry Buildings and Sketching and Analyzing Historic Buildings
    (Program includes lectures and restoration field projects*)
  • Archaeological Ceramics Restoration Analysis and Restoration of Archaeological Ceramics in Italy
    (Program includes lectures and restoration workshop*)
  • Book Bindings Restoration Introduction to the History and Craft of Bookbindings. Introduction to the Preservation and Preventive Conservation of Books
    (Program includes lectures and practical workshop*)

Session Two (July 15 – August 9)

*Field Projects:

  • Restoration of Porta Tuderte (also known as the San Giovanni City Gate) (13th century)
  • Analysis of medieval buildings in San Gemini as part of an urban study of the city
  • Restoration and conservation of artifacts from the Parco del Colosseo and Museo delle Storie di Bergamo
  • Restoration of the Historic Archives of the Commune di San Gemini
  • Archaeological research of the Roman Baths in the Ancient City of Carsulae

Short Intersession Program (June 30 – July 9) dates to be confirmed

  • Preservation Tour – Italy A ten-day trip visiting Siena, Florence and Rome,  places of cultural interest, with emphasis on the urban and historical development of each town, including specialized visits to places of interest to restorers.

SGPS is a program of the International Institute for Restoration and Preservation Studies, based in New York. An academic relationship has been established with West Virginia University that offers our students the opportunity to apply for and receive credits through the WVU Art History Department. They have established cooperation agreements with the Museo della Storie di Bergamo and the Parco del Colosseo to study and conserve artworks and archaeological objects held in their museums, as well as a collaboration with the Historic Archives of the Commune di San Gemini for SGPS participants to study and conserve archival documents.

Their courses are open to students from various disciplines, both undergraduate and graduate. All lessons are taught in English.

To learn more an apply, access the website here.

ARCE’s New Archaeology Field Research Grant

Funded through the Antiquities Endowment Fund (AEF), ARCE is accepting applications for a new grant scheme opportunity: “The Archaeological Field Research Grant” which is only open to current Research Supporting Members (RSM) of ARCE. This program aims to provide funding to conduct empirical, archaeological research and/or support student archaeological field training in Egypt at sites that date from prehistory to 100 years old. While the dissemination of results through publications and other materials is the ultimate expectation of these awards, this program supports (for up to one year) field costs such as travel, accomodation, field staff, equipment, and salary for project directors and collaborating scholars. However, indirect costs such as general operating costs incurred within the project but not directly linked to the project tasks, are not allowable.

The ARCE particularly encourages applications from junior faculty, with preference given to individuals with a graduate degree and/or demonstrated experience. Preference will also be given to proposals with the commitment to involve students of marginalized communities within the funded field work.

ARCE encourages you to submit a draft proposal to aef@arce.org before December 20, 2023. Final applications are to be submitted before 12 midnight EST on February 15th, 2024, via a submittable platform located on the Archaeological Field Research Grant’s webpage on ARCE.ORG.

After submission of either the draft proposal or the final application, ARCE reserves the right to request supplementary information or pose clarifying questions. Requesting supplementary information or posing clarifying questions to one applicant does not obligate ARCE to do so with all applicants nor does it guarantee a grant award.

For more information on the grant guidelines and how to apply, click this link.

Italian Conservation Field School

San Gemini Conservation Studies is opening applications for their summer field school in conservation and historic preservation. Now in its 25th year, with alumni from over 170 colleges and universities worldwide, SGPS is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. They offer students the opportunity to study and travel in Italy where they acquire hands-on experience in restoration and conservation.

Session One (June 3 – 28) 
Restoration of Traditional Masonry Buildings and Sketching and Analyzing Historic Buildings
(Program includes lectures and restoration field projects*)
Analysis and Restoration of Archaeological Ceramics in Italy
(Program includes lectures and restoration workshop*)
Introduction to the History and Craft of Bookbindings
Introduction to the Preservation and Preventive Conservation of Books
(Program includes lectures and practical workshop*)
Session Two (July 15 – August 9) 
Introduction to the Restoration and Conservation of Paper in Artwork and Archival Documents
(Program includes lectures and restoration workshop*)
Traditional Materials, Methods of Painting and Art Restoration Issues
(Program includes lectures and painting workshop)
Restoration Theory, Ethics and Issues
(Program includes lectures and discussion)
*Field Projects: 
  • Restoration of Porta Tuderte (also known as the San Giovanni City Gate) (13th century)
  • Analysis of medieval buildings in San Gemini as part of an urban study of the city
  • Restoration and conservation of artifacts from the Parco del Colosseo and Museo delle Storie di Bergamo
  • Restoration of the Historic Archives of the Commune di San Gemini
  • Archaeological research of the Roman Baths in the Ancient City of Carsulae
Short Intersession Program (June 30 – July 9) dates to be confirmed
A ten-day trip visiting Siena, Florence and Rome: places of cultural interest, with emphasis on the urban and historical development of each town, including specialized visits to places of interest to restorers.
To find out more and apply, click this link.

Field School: American Excavations Samothrace 2024 Information Session

The meteoric rise of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on the northern Aegean Island of Samothrace during the Hellenistic period generated some of the most architecturally adventurous ancient Greek buildings and dedications, including the famed Winged Victory now in the Louvre. The American Excavations Samothrace’s international team brings together experts and students to investigate how and why this Sanctuary rose to prominence, how the natural and built environments conditioned religious experience, and how the island was transformed by the demands of hosting an increasingly famous panhellenic cult. In answering these questions, advanced undergraduate and graduate participants gain valuable experience in archaeological techniques, architectural study, geospatial and geomorphological survey, object analysis, and conservation.

A lunchtime information session for those interested in applying to participate in the Summer 2024 field season will be held on Monday, November 27th, from 12:00-1:00 pm EDT, via Zoom: https://emory.zoom.us/j/95687459956.

If you are interested in participating but cannot attend, or would like further information, please contact a member of the American Excavations Samothrace team, including: Bonna Wescoat (bwescoa@emory.edu); Michael Page (michael.page@emory.edu); Samuel Holzman (sholzman@princeton.edu); Maggie Popkin (maggie.popkin@case.edu); Jessica Paga (jpaga@wm.edu); Alessandro Pierattini (Alessandro.Pierattini.1@nd.edu); Andrew Ward (alward5@emory.edu).

Field School Opportunity: Nikopoli, Archaeology and Bioarchaeology

There is a new field school in Roman Archaeology and Bioarchaeology in Nikopoli, Greece. This is a renowned site that is being excavated by the Greek Ministry of Culture in preparation for inclusion in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage.

The field school offers two weeks of excavation, followed by one week of Bioarchaeology in the lab at the Museum. All participants receive an official certificate of 150h, signed by the Greek authorities. Credit may also be offered.

They welcome applications from students of all levels, enrolled or graduated from Archaeology or an allied discipline course.

To learn more, visit their website here.

Gabii Project 2024 Archaeological Field School

The Gabii Project is an international archaeological initiative promoted by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan. They have been excavating the Latin city of Gabii since 2007 in order to study the formation and growth of a city-state that was, as neighbor and rival to Rome in the first millennium BCE, an important player in early Roman history. Their research tackles big questions about the emergence and evolution of urbanism in ancient Italy: from city planning to social stratification and the definition of elite and non-elite spaces and activities; from the development of monumental civic architecture to the abandonment and repurposing of the cityscape; and much else, through the integration of spatial data, architecture and stratigraphy, and a wide variety of finds spanning from the Early Iron Age to Late Antiquity.

You will learn: The archaeology of Rome and Latium, including guided trips to select sites and museums and off site lectures; excavation and interpretation of ancient Gabii; digital, cutting-edge recording techniques; and scientific processes, including environmental and biological analysis.

What is provided: accommodations in downtown Rome; Insurance, equipment, local transportation, weekday lunches, and select museum fees; 24/7 logistical support; apartments include kitchen facilities, washing machines and wireless internet; and they are willing to facilitate arrangements to help students get credit from their home institutions.

Total cost: $5,990 USD (or $5,600 for returners). International flight not included

Click this link to apply.

Applications due December 1, 2023. 

Fieldwork Opportunity | Blackfriary Archaeology Field School

The Blackfriary Archaeology Field School is part of the award-winning Blackfriary Community Heritage and Archaeology Project (BCHAP) in the town of Trim, County Meath, Ireland. Focusing on the buried remains of the 13th century AD/CE Dominican friary and associated graveyard, the field school is suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds including archaeology, history, anthropology, and forensics – and for students looking for a unique study abroad experience. As participants in a public archaeology project, students are actively engaged with outreach activities on site. They are also housed with families in Trim, allowing them to integrate with the local community.

Our BF Summer 1 course provides training in excavation and post-excavation methods and students will have the opportunity to participate in some bioarchaeology post-excavation work. Their courses are fully accredited through Dundalk Institute of Technology.

An equivalent of 6 – 7 semester credits (12.5 ECT credits) are offered for the BF Summer 1 and 7 -8 (15 ECTs credits) for BF Summer 2. They are still taking applications for both courses, though spots are limitted.

For students with previous field and/or lab experience, they offer internships for a minimum of six weeks in the areas of excavation, post-excavation, and community outreach.

Information on how to apply and further details about the project can be found here.

Page 1 of 2

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén