PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OUT OF OUR CONTROL, THE CLUNIA DIG IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD. BUT WE ARE WORKING TO RESTART IT BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF SPAIN'S MOST IMPRESSIVE SITES.
ArchaeoSpain participants at the archaeological excavation of Clunia will join a field crew alongside archaeologists and architects from the Universities of Valladolid, Burgos and Barcelona. Next summer we will be continuing the excavation of the city’s theater, the largest of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula.
Over the past decade the international excavation team has contributed to new research and made some unexpected discoveries concerning the construction and usage of the theater.
Not long ago we began the excavation of the backstage area, uncovering several subterranean rooms which were possibly used by actors and gladiators. A larger-than-life-size marble statue of a woman - maybe a goddess - emerged almost whole. And then diggers uncovered a small necropolis just behind the theater's back wall. The analysis of these burials will help us to understand how the theater was used in antiquity.
Recently we have been excavating debris layers from ancient looters in the stage area, trying to fill some of the chronological gaps in our theories. This year we will continue digging in this area. We may also venture into some structures built into the slope of the plateau, but that depends on how the work progresses in the theater.
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'CURRENT WORLD
ARCHAEOLOGY' MAGAZINE
ArchaeoSpain
at Clunia involves excavation, surveying, mapping and the conservation and
cataloguing of artifacts.
We will also hold four seminars during the month on the history of the
site and the excavation, plus some practical lessons in archaeology.
All participants are expected to engage in all archaeological activities
during the program. While Spanish-speaking ability is not a prerequisite,
we will be immersed in the language daily.
The work can be demanding due to the summer heat and the physical nature of the excavation so participants should be in reasonable physical condition and in good health.
Also, ArchaeoSpain follows the motto that true archaeologists' work is
not finished without relaxing and reflecting on the day's excavation. Therefore,
the group will make time to experience Spain away from the shovels and wheelbarrows,
either at the local café/bar or by touring several nearby Celtiberian,
Roman, Visigoth and Medieval sites. Also, the regional capital of Burgos
is only one hour from Clunia and the group will spend a day there.
In cooperation with students' universities, academic credit can be obtained.
Click
here to learn more about receiving credit.