PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ArchaeoSpain
participants will be joining the ongoing archaeological excavation and
restoration of the Early Christian and Byzantine settlement of Son Peretó,
located in the eastern part of the Spanish island of Mallorca, the largest
of the Balearic Islands.
Son Peretó is one of the most important sites for the period on the Balearic Islands and a notable example of Early Christian architecture. Archaeologists have already uncovered a basilica, a baptistery with two baptismal basins and two sectors of adjacent rooms used for housing and funeral rites.
The current project, managed by the Manacor Historical Museum and the University of Barcelona, began in 2005, and since then we have aimed to preserve and restore the remains uncovered during the 20th-century excavations. Restoration is our main objective although we also excavate virgin parts of the site, especially standing structures such as the foundations of several walls and untouched graves. So far the graves uncovered have been found in excellent condition.
ArchaeoSpain at Son Peretó involves restoration, excavation, mapping and artifact conservation. We are looking for four adventurous people to join a crew working alongside professional archaeologists and anthropologists from the University of Barcelona, Manacor Museum staff and local volunteers. The ArchaeoSpain participants will be guided by an archaeologist who speaks English, Spanish and the local Catalan.
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 both Spanish and Catalan languages daily. Work
will be
demanding due to the summer heat and the physical nature of the excavation
(picks, shovels, trowels and wheelbarrows) so participants should be in
reasonable physical
condition and in good health.
Also, the group will make time to experience the island away from the shovels and wheelbarrows, either by relaxing at a café bar, our seaside patio, or by visiting several nearby Talayotic, Roman, Byzantine, Moorish and Medieval sites of interest. The capital city of Palma is about 45 minutes from Son Peretó and the group will spend a day there. And of course we will frequent the island's excellent beaches.
In cooperation with students' universities, academic
credit can be obtained.
Click here to
learn more about receiving credit.