Program Overview
ArchaeoSpain participants at the archaeological excavation and research center at Clunia will join the field crew at the ancient Roman city of Clunia Sulpicia alongside archaeologists from the Universities of Valladolid and Barcelona. In the summer of 2006, we will be continuing the excavation of the city’s theater, the largest of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. In recent years ArchaeoSpain teams have assisted in two major discoveries: deep archaeological levels that have redefined the theater’s perceived architecture and an elaborate drainage system. Next season’s teams will continue their work.
The
2,000-year-old city acted as the administrative capital to Rome’s
northern Iberian province and so far archaeologists have unearthed countless
public monuments and residential structures. (See
a detailed description of the site) ArchaeoSpain at Clunia involves
all of the aspects of a rigorous excavation, including land survey, mapping,
photography, excavation, and the conservation and cataloguing of artifacts.
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. Thus ArchaeoSpain hopes that
our students will take advantage of the program to improve their spoken
Spanish. Slightly more demanding than linguistics, 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.
ArchaeoSpain follows the guideline that true archaeologists’ work
is not finished unless they can relax and reflect on the day's excavation.
Therefore, the group will make time each day 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 of
interest. Also, the regional capital of Burgos is only about one hour from
Clunia and the group will spend part of the weekend at the mid-point of
the program there.
In cooperation with students' universities, ArchaeoSpain will offer credits
toward their majors and degrees.