General Information

http://archaeology.institute/006-dig-in-the-roman-city-of-sanisera.asp

In 2008 the Sanisera Archaeology Institute for International Field Schools started its courses at the Roman city of Sanisera. During all these years many students have come from all over the world to study abroad to Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) in order to dig up the Roman remains located at this classical site on the Northern coast of the island.

The research is focused on the archaeological excavation of Sanisera and it studies what happened in this Roman port connected to the maritime traffic that sailed the Mediterranean during those times. As a result, we know that this is a very interesting archaeological site, with abundant findings of multiple artifacts that will help us to reconstruct its past.

The excavation at the Roman city of Sanisera provides all the archaeological documentation necessary for the student to acquire enough training and experience in all aspects involving an excavation of the Roman civilization from the II century B.C. to the VI A.D.

What you will learn

In the Fieldwork

• How to dig and which archaeological techniques are used.
• Use and handling of the tools that are used during the excavation process.
• Basic principles of stratigraphy.
• Recording the data obtained during the excavation using the Harris Method.
• Practice on the recognition of archaeological materials and Roman finds from the II century B.C. - VI A.D.
• Basic procedures for sample collection.

In the Laboratory

• Study and typological classification of archaeological objects of Roman archaeology: ceramics, numismatics, faunal remains, metals and glass.
• Relative dating based on the classification of archaeological objects discovered in the stratigraphic sequence.

Theory

• History, archaeology, economy and culture of the Roman civilization.
• Introduction to the History of the Sanisera Site.
• Minorcan archaeology before the Roman conquest of the Balearic Islands.

Directed at

If you are contemplating for the first time to be a volunteer in an archaeology field school, this course could be right for you. This program accommodates participants with or without previous experience.

You can learn from the beginning excavation techniques and methodology. During the excavation you will find archaeological remains from the classical period including Roman pottery, amphora, glass, etc. that you will learn how to identify in the laboratory. 

The comprehensive experience that you will gain in this course will help you to decide if you want to pursue archaeology in university or as a profession.  

This is the most economical course that The Sanisera Field School offers. The excavation takes place on the northern coast of the island, surrounded by the sea and pristine Mediterranean landscapes. 

Previous knowledge or experience in archaeology or computer systems is not required.

Student Testimonials   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztTVf-KDpzM

Field School life & language

The fieldwork focuses on Classical Archaeology, and specifically on Roman archaeology. It runs 7 hours a day, and is divided between excavation, lab work, exercises, lectures and excursions. Students receive an intensive introduction on basic aspects of archaeological excavation techniques (following the Harris Matrix), which are applied during the excavation time. In the laboratory students process, classify and study excavated material as well as attend lectures on the study of Roman archaeology. In addition to the daily excavation and laboratory work, students learn about Roman History through organized excursions. For every seven course days, there are two days off. The course is taught in English and Spanish.

Certificates

At the end of the Field Program, students will receive a certificate of participation stating the hours and activities of the course. Participants that perform exceedingly well in the course may receive a letter of recommendation from our organization upon request.

Sessions & Cost

Spaces available

The course is limited to 12 participants per session. Reservations are only effective when payment of the registration fee is received. If for any reason the course is cancelled, payment is returned according to the field school refund policy