2026 Bulgaria Debelt: Conservation of Roman Glass (4 US Semester Credits Units)

Location: 8314 Debelt, Bulgaria

Season: June 6, 2026 to June 20, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-bulgaria-debelt-glass

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center & Balkan Heritage Foundation

Project Director:
Dr. Daniela Cherneva (Balkan Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria), Ms. Biljana J. Peeva (National Institution Stoby, North Macedonia) & Dr. Ralitsa Georgieva (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences)

Project Description:

This program is focused on the conservation of Roman glass. The program will begin by understanding the rich history of ancient glass, its origin and the technology needed for its production. The program will then proceed to instruct students in modern techniques of glass conservation, restoration, documentation and study. Both the theoretical and laboratory elements of this program will be taught at the research center associated with the Roman site of Deultum (see more about the site below).

This field school includes three modules. The first is practical work in conservation of glass, initially of replicas and then work on Roman artifacts from the collection of the National Archaeological Reserve at Deultum. The second module covers the theoretical and methodological elements of glass conservation and consists of lectures presenting the archaeological context of glass artifacts and the best methods used for their preservation. conserved vessels and to conservation process of glass vessels. The third module introduces students to the regional context of Roman presence and includes site visits to the ancient coastal towns of Nessebar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a sightseeing tour of Sozopol (including study visits to its archaeological museums). An optional two day excursion to Istanbul (Turkey) is possible and interested students should contact Balkan Heritage Foundation directly for details.

Develton (Thracian: Debelton, “two-swamp area”) was founded as an emporium of Apollonia Pontica in the 7th century BCE. From the 6th century to the 4th century BC, the settlement served as an important place of trade between Thracians and Greeks. Develton was annexed to the Roman Empire in 46 CE and became part of the province of Thrace and its name changed to Deultum. At the Battle of Deultum in the summer of 377 CE (during the Gothic War of 376–382), an Eastern Roman army was defeated by a Gothic raiding party outside Deultum, and the city was sacked. Deultum was later rebuilt on a smaller scale, and, in the second half of the 5th century CE, new walls were constructed, and all unprotected buildings were demolished to ensure hostile forces did not use them as cover. These walls were destroyed by Slavs and Avars at the end of the 6th century CE.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman Period

Notes:
Tuition is $4,187; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: There are no prerequisites for participation in this field school but note that conservation work requires good manual dexterity skills and ability to carry out delicate bench work. Students will receive hands-on training in conservation work and will spend most of the time learning how to conserve ceramics in a lab setting. Students will be taught how to use a variety of laboratory procedures and equipment – from microscopes to analytical instruments. Conservation work is slow and may be tedious. It requires patience and focus. This is an introductory course so we will cover all the very basic elements of conservation ethnographic work.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Cost of Room and Board is included in tuition

Academic Credit:
Earn 4 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 6 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College