Excavations at Nemea – Field School

Location: Nemea 205 00, Greece

Season: June 28, 2026 to July 26, 2026

Application Deadline: February 16, 2026

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://nemeacenter.berkeley.edu/summer-field-school/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology, UC Berkeley

Project Director:
Kim Shelton

Project Description:

Through this field school students will participate in archaeological survey, excavation, and museum study in Greece at the Classical site of Nemea (the Sanctuary of Zeus) and its prehistoric settlements located on Tsoungiza Hill. Through extensive travel and hands-on work, students will learn all major elements of methodology and analysis currently used in classical archaeology. The project holds a permit from the American School of Classical Studies at Athens.

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: site survey and sampling, geophysical 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 Byzantine) 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.

Link to Application: https://forms.gle/oJV5XFFK5P67crw36

Period(s) of Occupation: Primarily Neolithic to Late Bronze Age with the possibility of Iron Age through Byzantine finds

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: No experience is required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Costs include two fees: approx. $1,500 for food and lodging (in the nearby village of Kleonai) and an additional $1,000 to cover participation (transportation, supplies, etc.).

Academic Credit:
Participants accepted to the program will register for 4-6 credits through Berkeley Summer Sessions.