Location: Vidin, Bulgaria

Season Dates: June 29, 2013 - August 30, 2013
Session Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 26, 2013; Session 2: August 3 - August 30, 2013
Application Deadline: May 31, 2013

Website: http://www.ratiaria.archbg.net/en_fs_rat_intro.html

Program Type
Field school

Affiliation: "Ratiaria Semper Floreat" Archaeological Trust

Project Director: Prof. Dr. Hab. Rumen Ivanov, National Institute of Archaeology with Museum

Project Description

Ratiaria is considered one of the most important Roman and Early Byzantine centres at the Lower Danube. It was established in the first century A.D. as a Roman military camp and a civilian settlement, which grew around it. In 106 A.D. the Emperor Trajan founded five colonies, one of which is Ratiaria. Colonies were cities with highest degree of autonomy, each of which represents a model of Rome itself. The full name of the city is known from an inscription dated in 125 A.D. – COLONIA ULPIA TRAIANA RATIARIA. In the second and third century Ratiaria is prosperous city organized in Italian model. It is a great craft and trade centre - here lies an important customs point. In fourth century Ratiaria became the major Christian and episcopal centre of the area.

Unfortunately, the last 20 years instead to be a subject of scientist researches and touristic attraction the place is a scene of treasure-hunters’ invasion and illegal traffic of cultural artefacts. The campaign: “Help to preserve the biggest archaeological site in Northern Bulgaria – Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria” was supported by over then 600 scientists from all over the world. Materials about the cultural catastrophe in Bulgaria were published in “Current World Archaeology”, “Past Horizons”, and “Rescue. British Archaeological Trust”, etc.

Only for two years the site was visited by more than 50 foreign students from USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Russia etc. “I had never seen such a large Archaeological site before apart from the Great Pompeii. - Says Byron Jones, student in Archaeology in Dublin, Ireland - Ratiaria is Bulgaria's Pompeii I feel in terms of scale and size. Walking through the site was an experience I will never forget.” Dylan Feuerbacher from San Antonio, Texas wrote: “Ever since I left I’ve been fascinated and curious about Ratiaria”.

Reopening of the archaeological excavations here provides new and very important scientific information. Only for three years at the site were discovered 14 new Latin inscription, over 700 artifacts, more then 15 new monumental buildings, and over 20 new legionary stamps. In 2010 was found the well preserved decumanus maximus (main street) of the city. All these data show that Ratiaria is not irretrievably lost for the Roman archeology.

In 2013 the archaeological digs will focus on the discovered in course of the last season decumanus maximius and Temple of Asclepius. Along with practical work at the site the students will gain experience in Latin Epigraphy, Art History, Conservation and Restoration of discovered buildings and artifacts. Several experts in Roman Archaeology will give lectures during the course. In addition the students will have chance to visit some of the best preserved Roman towns in the area (including Bulgaria and neighboring Serbia).

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman and Byzantine Archaeology

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: One month (30 days)

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Non

Room and Board Arrangements

The cost of the field school covers room and board. Accommodation is in hotel in town of Vidin, which offers shared double-rooms with bathrooms, hot and cold running water, television and i-net.

Cost: Full session 30 days - 1272 EUR (1633 USD) Half session 15 days - 790 EUR (1014 USD)

Academic Credit
Name of institution offering credit: New Bulgarian University
Number of credits offered: 6
Tuition: All EU countries – €400 ($520); Other international students – €600 ($780)

Contact Information
Prof. Dr. Hab. Rumen Ivanov
13 Moskovska Str.
Sofia, 1000
Bulgaria
r.t.ivanov@archbg.net

Recommended Bibliography

D. Giorgetti. "Colonia Ulpia Traiana Ratiaria: analecta geographica et historica."  Ratiariensia, 1, 1980, 13-34, tav. 1-V1.

D. Giorgetti. "Ratiaria and its Territory."  In: A. Poulter (ed.) Ancient Bulgaria. Part 2. Nottingham, 1983, 19-39.

R. Hosek, V. Velkov. "New antique finds in Ratiaria."  Eunomia, II, I (Listy Filologicke, LXXXI) 1958, 32-39.

G. Kuzmanov. "A Residence from Late Antiquity in Ratiaria (Dacia Ripensis)." Archaeologia Bulgarica (Sofia), IV, 2000, 1,27-43.

J. Lander. Roman Stone Fortification. Variation and Change from the First Century A. D. to the Fourth (BAR International Series, 206). Oxford, 1984.