For 2012, the Ecomuseum of the Cape of Cavalleria offers an underwater course which presents two main parts. The first one deals with underwater archaeological survey in order to explore the Roman port of Sanitja and the coast of the Cape of Cavalleria, identifying structures of the Roman city of Sanisera as well as Roman shipwrecks. The port of Sanitja was not only occupied by the Romans. There are also ruins of a Muslim mosque and English defence tower which lead us to believe that we will find other vessels from these time periods. The second part of the course will be focused on Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques, both in theoretical and practical levels. Students will put into practice their conservation skills with a ship that was built around 1850. The underwater archaeological course will be directed Fernando Contreras, director of the Ecomuseum of the Cape of Cavalleria in collaboration with other archaeologists and specialists in underwater archaeology and conservation. The course is designed to provide practical experience in underwater archaeological field work, from site discovery to lab analysis.

Session Dates: 1) April 20 - May 9; 2) May 12-31;, 3) June 3-22; 4) June 25 - July 14; 5) July 17 - August 5; 6) August 8-27; 7) August 30 - September 18; 8) September 20 - October 9; 9) October 12-31; and 10) November 3 - November 22, 2012

Participants will stay in the Ecomuseum's student residence in Ciutadella (with laundry service and wifi), within walking distance of the historic center, port, and beaches. Ciutadella is an enchanting Mediterranean town, lively with cafés and outdoor terraces hidden among narrow cobble stone streets. Transportation to and from the excavation site and planned excursions are included. Airfare not included.

In the part of the course focused on the underwater survey of the port, students will gain experience in various activities such as surveying methods, site reconnaissance, recording, drawing, mapping, position fixing, photography, and laboratory processing. In the second part focused on shipbuilding techniques, students will learn the basics about traditional Mediterranean shipbuilding, as well as learning which tools, instruments and methods are the most suitable in order to restore old vessels. Students will also attend lectures on Roman archaeology. The day will be divided between diving in the port of Sanitja, lab work, exercises, lectures, videos and excursions. The course schedule is designed to be flexible because this operation is dependent on conditions at sea. In addition to the daily research activities, students will learn about the history and culture of Menorca through organized excursions. The course is taught in English and Spanish.

Lana Johnson

APDO 68

Es Mercadal, Menorca 07740

Spain

sanisera@arrakis.es

Phone: +34 699 69 55 80

Ecomuseum of the Cape of Cavalleria and the Sa Nitja Association