For 2012, we will be excavating the Roman City of Sanisera, that overlooks the natural port of Sanitja. Students will learn and gain experience in excavation using the Harris Matrix. Various instruments and tools will be used to record stratigraphy and document the plans and photographs of the excavation. In the museum laboratory, students will study excavated material and learn basic techniques of artifact recording, focusing on Roman pottery. In addition to the daily excavation and laboratory work, students will also participate in conferences on methodology and Roman archaeology, and will visit other museums and archaeological sites on the island. Courses are given in English and Spanish. The Romans first arrived on Menorca in the year 123 B.C. when the Roman army conquered the Balearic islands. For 600 years more, Menorca would form a part of the immense Roman empire. On the island, the Romans formed three cities. Of those cities, Sanisera (our archaeological site) was built around the port of Sanitja in the northernmost part of the island. The city flourished due to the heavy maritime commercial industry that received boats going from Spain to Italy and from France to Africa. The impressiveness of Sanisera can be appreciated in the present by the quantity and quality of the amphoras and other roman artifacts that have been found in recent excavations. Sanisera is situated in a spectacular natural reserve next to the Ecomuseum of the Cape of Cavalleria.

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, 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. Cost includes full room and board, transportation to and from the site, accidental medical insurance, planned excursions, application fee and administrative cost. Airfare not included.

Lana Johnson
APDO 68
Es Mercadal, Menorca 07740
Spain
sanisera@arrakis.es 

Phone: (34) 699 69 55 80