Designed by:

The Roman Project in Bulgaria

Explore not one, but three different ancient Roman sites through this exciting archaeological field school in Bulgaria this summer. Under the auspices of the Bulgarian Archaeological Association (BAA), the fieldwork incorporates a research excavation at different sites and is involved in a larger study of the Roman culture. The BAA field school offers a unique combination of fieldwork, on-site instruction by expert archaeologists, and visits to major museums and open-air sites. Participants have the chance to get their minds, hands, and shovels into the material vestiges of three significant sites (a roman fortress, a roman villa and the biggest roman town in the region). Each destination offers field work processing and recording of artifacts, different lectures and a visit to near-by archaeological locations.

The Roman sanctuary and fortress is situated on the key point and defended the road towards the big towns of the imperial provinces Moesia Infeior and Thracia.

The Roman villa was first discovered by archaeologists in 2002. A rich array of finds has enabled the archaeologists to identify the periods of habitation from 1^st to 4^th century A.D.

Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria was the biggest town in contemporary North-West Bulgaria. Since the beginning of the 4^th century it was the capital of the Roman province Dacia Rippensis.

Courses: The lectures included in the field school are two types – connected with the fieldwork (how to work with materials found), and theoretical. The first are given every day in the afternoons (20 astronomical hours for two weeks). The topics concern our everyday work on the field - Roman and Late Antique pottery, Metal finds, Roman coins. The theoretical lectures are given twice a week (8 hours) and include the following topics: Roman military fortification system; Roman towns – structure, main buildings and everyday life; Roman economy (agriculture and handicraft) processing in villas; and Roman art (sculpture, mosaic, funeral monuments).

Program Dates: The participants can choose their favorite dates between July 1^st and September 15^th 2008. The minimum length of stay is two weeks.

Housing: Accommodation is provided by a hotel, which offers shared double-rooms with bathrooms, hot and cold running water, television, and a swimming pool. The hotel is near the sites.

Equipment: The project will supply all basic equipment needs for the duration of the time on site.

Program Cost:

The “Roman project” field school offers five different modules:

Module 1 - Full time stay (two weeks) with all services included; € 1248

Module 2 - Three weeks stay with all services included and three days excursions; € 1687

Module 3 - Four weeks stay with all services included and three days excursions; € 2064

Module 4 - Full time stay (two weeks) without excursions; € 1157

Module 5 - One-week stay whit six days excursion (full tour of the Bulgaria); € 1184

If you are interested, see the website for additional information.