Archaeological Field School in
MYCENAE GREECE
3-31 JULY 2008
The
Excavation of Petsas House: a ceramic warehouse of the 14th century BCE
Directed by Dr. Kim Shelton
Department of Classics, University of California, Berkeley
Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology
Archaeological Society of Athens
An opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in an
archaeological excavation in Greece and receive academic credit from
the UCB Classics Department (CL N172B). No experience or prerequisites
required – only a desire to dig.
Course description:
Through this Field School students will participate in archaeological
excavation and museum study in Greece at the Bronze Age site of Mycenae
(Petsas House). Through extensive travel and hands-on work, students
will learn all major elements of methodology and analysis currently
used in classical archaeology.
The primary goal is to teach practical archaeological skills in a real
research environment while gaining an understanding of the material
culture of Greece throughout various periods of its prehistory and
history. Students will participate in a variety of field techniques and
research methodologies including when appropriate: regional and site
survey and sampling, geo-physical testing and mapping, field
excavation, stratigraphic analysis, written, graphic and photographic
recording of data and finds, cleaning and conservation of finds,
scientific and stylistic pottery analysis, cataloguing, and
presentation of research results through collection and exhibition
management.
In addition, an overall knowledge of the archaeological history of
Ancient Greece will be attained through the recovery and analysis of
material (architecture, sculpture, metalwork and ceramics) from a wide
range of periods (prehistoric through Hellenistic) and especially
through travel to the major archaeological and cultural sites of
Greece. The course also provides a valuable opportunity to learn about
a foreign country and its contemporary culture while living in a
traditional village community and to gain a unique perspective on the
life of the ancients while living in their own landscape.
In July
2008 students will work in the field at the site of Petsas House
in the Bronze Age settlement of Mycenae. They will excavate, keep
detailed notes
of their observations, photograph and draw the architecture and
moveable finds. Excavation will be undertaken in:
1. at least two rooms used for the storage of
ceramics
2. a deposit of frescoes from an upper story
3. a room for large-scale storage outside the primary
entrance of the building.
Students will participate in the cleaning and conservation of finds
(sherds, vases, figurines, frescos and stone artifacts) in the Mycenae
Museum. They will also catalogue sherds and small finds from past
excavation seasons.
For more information and an application please contact Dr. Shelton by
e- mail: sheltonk@berkeley.edu
Application deadline – January
25, 2008
10/15/07 sheltonk@berkeley.edu
