SURVIVORS' TALES
"It is amazing how something as simple as pottery shards
serve as valuable insight to the history of the Roman Empire. I really
enjoyed
learning how to identify the typology and epigraphy of the amphorae and
seeing how the archaeologists recorded each piece of epigraphy. The experts
were always willing to translate the meanings and possible reasons for
the titles, stamps and graffiti found.
"The site itself is amazing because here you are on a man-made hill of amphorae with shards wherever you look and walk, and on top of that you never forget that you are in Rome because of the beautiful view of the city. You really feel a connection with the city and its detailed history."
—Kathleen Puglisi, Rome/New Jersey
"I
had such a blast with the crew and learning about Testaccio and its many
treasures. It was truly satisfying to, in the heart of Rome, productively
participate in the long process of cleaning, recording and matching amphorae
from the 1st and 2nd centuries. It was an incredible experience... I enjoyed
trying to identify the old script and numerals on the amphorae after a lecture
from one of the archaeologists, whose passion and knowledge of the ancient
Latin script was inspiring, as was the case with all of the professors and
staff. Anyone with a love of the outdoors, of history and someone who enjoys
meeting new and interesting people should consider an ArchaeoSpain program."
—Susan Ulbrich, Durham, Connecticut
"The team took very good care of us and it was immensely satisfying to feel my pottery classification knowledge grow during the program. Our hotel was located in a highly sociable neighbourhood and we spent our evenings and days off exploring city and the classical sites. Above all I enjoyed spending time with our multinational team. The atmosphere was always relaxed and friendly, with jokes being batted in all directions (and languages!)."
—Louise Griffin, Cambridge University
Read Louise's account of Monte Testaccio published in Archaeology Abroad
"After coming back for the second year I got a sense of how each year fits into the grand scheme of things... I can understand why people feel compelled to excavate year after year. And I really enjoyed the various lectures we were given, on everything from African pots to epigraphy to Roman trade."
—Veronica Stoneman, Oakville, Ontario
"I
will never forget the site, what a unique and fascinating place! It really
was a great experience to work with such a dedicated, passionate team on
a crazy mountain of shards!"
—Megan Gier, Northwestern University
"I went in expecting to learn something new every day and I wasn’t disappointed. Seeing new data recording methods, excavation technique, artifact sorting and conservation was all very interesting... I really enjoyed exploring Trastevere and Testaccio after work and searching for good food! And Toni is great! He is knowledgeable, outgoing and excited about his job."
—Shelly Martin, Boulder, Colorado
"Testaccio was was my sixth archaeological experience and this one was unique. I was involved in every step in order to learn about and reconstruct the ancient Roman economy. I watched every day the excitement on the professors' faces when we found something special."
—Marguerite Daniele, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"The
entire project, from start to finish, was incredible. The staff is incredible
and always helpful -- Toni is very professional, but also a great deal of
fun and a very helpful educator. I really enjoyed the lectures and the tours,
but I learned the most and had the most fun onsite. I won't forget a single
moment of it!"
—Emily Tankersley, Rome/California
"It was a thrill to handle shards of pottery that had been created and used during the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius…We were fascinated to learn how archaeologists go about re-constructing details of Spanish-Roman wine commerce from the amphorae discarded by the Romans. We also enjoyed learning about ancient Roman commercial activities in evening discussions with the archaeologists working on the project… Anyone with an interest in ancient history and archaeology and an appetite for city life would love this program."
—Alan Spier, Glastonbury, Connecticut
"Not only are you surrounded by the beautiful city of Rome, but you have your hands on it at Testaccio… you learn how important the everyday activities were to the structure of the Roman society."
—Cate Cotier, Mesa Community College
"I
learned that there are many others, like me, who love archaeology, and,
if you're patient, your efforts are rewarded with wonderful results. I still
enjoy the gratification and satisfaction of my finds and of helping the
Testaccio project, if only a small part… Although I had been to Rome
before, this time I saw a completely different side of the Eternal City.
I felt like a Roman, as we set off each day to work. I was no longer just
a tourist. Rome is more than a city. It's an experience, a state of mind,
never to be forgotten!"
—Marion Sudol, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
"The program was very in depth with the archaeology projects we worked on. It was beyond a typical "hands on" experience. Our group leaders were able to provide us with detailed accounts of the history and significance of our archaeological dig. I learned that it archaeology takes a lot of research and preparation before attending the dig site. It also takes a lot of patience and one is not going to find a golden nugget on the first day. However, when you discover something out of the ground from the dig site that no one has seen before it is a very exciting experience. Digging up clues from the past is an adventure."
—Sheldon Erb, New York City