Periods: Hellenistic, Roman, Early Byzantine (Fourth century B.C. - Sixth century A.D.)

According to the Athenian orator and lawyer Demosthenes, Heraclea was founded by Philip II (the father of Alexander the Great), as a strategic centre of the north-western Macedonian province of Lyncestis. Heraclea was named in honour of Heracles (Hercules), the claimed progenitor of the ruling Macedonian dynasty which Philip belonged to. The epithet “Lyncestis” means “the Land of the Lynx” in Greek. Nowadays the ruins of the ancient city lie at the western side of modern town of Bitola. For last 50 years the National Institute, Museum and Gallery of Bitola ( Macedonia) has been excavating that site uncovering Hellenistic, Roman, and Late Antique pages of town history. In 1950s state authorities declared archaeological heritage there for an archaeological reserve. During last half century were uncovered and restored significant monuments of Antiquity (Forum, Theater, Early Christian basilicas and residential buildings (many of them decorated with polychrome mosaics).

Season 2012 envisions excavations in the residential area in front of the Theater. Two field school sessions are available in 2012, each includes following three modules: fieldwork; educational course (lectures, workshops and field trainings), and excursions to: the ancient Hellenistic and Roman city of Stobi, the medieval town and lake of Ohrid (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Participants, who join two project sessions are going to have a different schedule during the second session, including:

•    (at the weekends) Behind-the-scene visit to the stores and workshops of the archaeological site of Stobi;
•     (in the afternoons) Lab work related to the finds' processing and documentation and workshops for:

 

•     Archaeological Documentation and Illustration of Ancient Pottery;
•     Recording, reading and dating of Ancient coins;
•     Mosaic-recording;
•     Experimental mosaic-making.

All participants will receive:

•     Project Handbook (in PDF version by e-mail and a hard copy on arrival);
•    Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited.

Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the site and are not expected to bring any additional equipment.

Full-board (incl. meals) accommodation in comfortable hotel rooms (with two to three beds), equipped with air-conditioning,  TV, Wi Fi and bathroom (with shower and WC). Single rooms are available upon request for an additional fee of 300 EUR. The hotel is located in Bitola down town, close to the town’s main pedestrian street. Requests for vegetarian food are accepted.

The site is located in the town of Bitola (Macedonia), in a walking distance from the project hotel.

Season 2012 envisions excavations in the residential area in front of the Theater. Two field school sessions are available in 2012 - session 1: June 30 - July 14, 2012; session 2: July 15 - 29, 2012 - each includes following three modules: fieldwork; educational course (lectures, workshops and field trainings), and excursions to: the ancient Hellenistic and Roman city of Stobi, the medieval town and lake of Ohrid (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

For detailed project agenda please visit: http://www.bhfieldschool.org/bh2007.hlexc.html

New Bulgarian University grants to students 6 credits for participation in one project session and 9 credits for participation in two sessions. Transcript is available upon request for an additional tuition fee - €300 for 6 credits and €450 for 9 credits (for students outside EU). Participants who don't need academic credits, are not expected to pay the tuition fee!

Guided visits around the town of Bitola, Ohrid and Ohrid lake, and the Roman city of Stobi are organized for all field school participants. The town of Bitola offers a lot of opportunities for sport and entertainment

HERACLEA LYNCESTIS EXCAVATION PROJECT 2010 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwcf3yq4TFg&feature=player_embedded

Contact person:
Ms. Anna Parmakova - BH Admissions Officer
bhfs.admissions@gmail.com

Balkan Heritage Field School/Foundation (BH) - Bulgaria, New Bulgarian University (NBU) - Bulgaria, National Institute and Museum Bitola - Macedonia

Renfrew, Colin and Paul Bahn, Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice. New York, 2006.

Mikulcic, Ivan, Heraclea Lyncestis. Ancient city in Macedonia. Skopje, 2007.