Program
Overview
Although venturing outside our normal jurisdiction, ArchaeoSpain could not avoid sending some of its students to Rome to excavate at Monte Testaccio. Heralded as one of the most important research programs about Roman epigraphy, economy and commerce today, Monte Testaccio combines the efforts of the Universities of Rome, Barcelona, Madrid and ArchaeoSpain to excavate an artificial mount created by centuries of discarded amphorae – many of which still bear the markings of the contents and the exporters who transported them. Once an ancient pottery dump, Monte Testaccio is now one of the largest Roman archives of commerce in the world.
Monte Testaccio is located south of modern Rome and behind the old river port. The program will consist of two weeks in September/October 2005. Those who join us will participate in all aspects of this excavation, including artifact recovery and conservation work, restoration, recording, drawing, mapping and photographing.
While
the crew is mostly Spanish, don’t worry if you speak neither Italian
nor Spanish. Both languages will be used and ArchaeoSpain hopes that our
students take the opportunity to learn a new tongue or improve what they
already know. Imagine – you might learn how to say “potsherd”
in two languages. Linguistic strides aside, without a doubt, the city of
Rome offers unlimited options for classical world enthusiasts. There will
be many opportunities during the excavation for participants to enjoy the
city, from its busy cafes and restaurants to all the historical sites.
In cooperation with students' respective universities, this program will offer credits toward their majors and degrees.