THE ROMAN CITY DIG > Presentation

1. General information

The Cape of Cavalleria Ecomuseum offers an annual archaeological field school on the island of Menorca, off the coast of Spain. Menorca is the easternmost island of the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca) and enjoys a Mediterranean climate, calm and pleasant.

Menorca is located in the centre of the western part of the Mediterranean Sea and because of its geographical location, it has played an important role throughout history.

Menorca has been a strategic vantage point for many civilizations; Punics, Romans, Arabs, English, French, and Spanish have all conquered Menorca in an attempt to dominate the Mediterranean sea. Romans first arrived on Menorca in the year 123 BC, when the Roman army conquered the Balearic Islands. For the following 600 years, Menorca was a part of the immense Roman empire. On the island they founded three cities. One of those cities, Sanisera (our archaeological site), was built around the port of Sanitja. The city flourished due to the considerable maritime commerce that received boats travelling from Spain to Italy, and from France to Africa.

Sanisera is located in the northernmost part of the island, next to the Cape of Cavalleria Ecomuseum. Since 1996, the Ecomuseum has organised courses in archaeological excavation for students who come from all over the world.

2. Course description

In 2012, we will be excavating the Roman City of Sanisera, which overlooks the natural port of Sanitja. The excavation is directed by Fernando Contreras, director of the Ecomuseum of the Cape of Cavalleria.

The course runs seven hours a day, and is divided between excavation, lab work, exercises, lectures and excursions. Students receive an intensive introduction on basic aspects of field excavation techniques (following the Harris Matrix), which are applied during the excavation time. In the laboratory students process, classify and study excavated material as well as attend lectures on Roman archaeology. In addition to the daily excavation and laboratory work, students learn about the history of Menorca through organized excursions. For every seven course days, there are two days off. Courses are taught in English and in Spanish.

3. Certificates

At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate of participation stating the hours and activities of the course.

Participants that perform exceedingly well in the course may receive a letter of recommendation from our organization up on request.

4. Directed at

The course is open to any individual who would like to learn about Archaeology. Previous knowledge or experience in archaeology is not required.

The course includes 7 hours per day, distributed in 4.5 hours of excavation and 2.5 hours of lab work, exercises, lectures and excursions. There will be two rest days every seven days of work.

Students receive an intensive introduction on basic aspects of field excavation techniques, which are applied during the excavation time.  In the laboratory students process, classify and study excavated material. Participants also attend lectures on Roman archaeology. In   addition to  the   daily excavation  and  laboratory  work,  students  further  learn  about  the history  of  Menorca  in  organized  excursions.  Courses are taught in English and in Spanish.

5. Sessons and cost: 10 sessions (20 days each)

Airfare not included.

Course fee includes:

• Course tuition.
• Accommodation in the Student Residency in Ciutadella. Two to six per room. Walking distance to the historic center, port and beaches.
• Daily transportation to/from the excavation site.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Ciutadella
• Morning snack at the Ecomuseum.
• Accident insurance at the site.
• Excursions.
• Certificate of participation.


6. Spaces Available

This course has limited availability. Reservations are only effective when payment of the registration fee is received. If for any reason the course is cancelled, payment is returned according to the field school refund policy.

Certificates:

At the end of the course, students may receive a certificate of participation stating the hours and activities of the course.

Participants that perform exceedingly well in the course will receive a letter of recommendation from our organization.

7. Information and reservations:

Lana Johnson, Course Coordinator
Email: sanisera@arrakis.es or archaeology@ecomuseodecavalleria.com