General Information

http://archaeology.institute/046-underwater-archaeology-in-sanitja-harbor-and-dig-in-the-roman-city-of-sanisera.asp

The Sanisera Archaeology Institute for International Field Schools offers annual programs in archaeology. This course is designed for students from around the world interested in studying abroad, gaining knowledge in Roman cities, classical archaeology and underwater archaeology.

The Sanisera Archaeology Institute offers a new course consisting of three main parts: underwater archaeology, photogrammetry with Agisott PhotoScan 3D and archeological fieldwork in the city of Sanisera.

The ancient Roman city of Sanisera is located on a natural harbor. So we are lucky that the land excavations and the underwater activities take place in the same area, allowing us to develop projects in the terrestrial and marine environment, using different methodologies and techniques witha great team of professionals and experts.

Part 1: Explore the Ancient Roman Port of Sanitja (Menorca, Spain)The course lasts 18 days and will be divided into two different periods. The first nine days will be dedicated to underwater archaeology activities while the rest of the course will be focused on everything that is related to a land excavation.

There will be a minimum of 8 immersions focusing on underwater archaeological survey exploring the Ancient Port of Sanitja and the coast of the Cape of Cavalleria. The aim of this project is to identify structures of the Roman city of Sanisera and underwater shipwrecks, as well as the associated cargo including amphorae and anchors.

The port of Sanitja was not only occupied by Romans. There are also ruins of a Muslim mosque and an English defense tower which lead us to believe that we could find other vessels from these time periods. During the last years of survey, several anchors and three shipwrecks from the XVI-XIX centuries were discovered.

Over the past eight years, The Underwater School in Archaeology has researched the ancient port of Sanitja via an intensive survey program. We have discovered 18 Roman shipwrecks with cargo, including amphorae, and more than 10 anchors from different time periods.

Course time dedicated: 45%.

Part 2. Record underwater archaeological objects using photogrammetry with Agisoft PhotoScan 3D

During the course, we will register archaeological materials (amphora, anchors, fine tableware) using pictures and following the standard photogrammetry procedures, 

afterwards we will learn to handle the information in order to create 3D graphic models using Agisoft PhotoScan Professional software.

Course time dedicated: 5%.

Students will also attend lectures on Roman shipwrecks, Roman amphora, Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques and handling of software Agisoft PhotoScan.

Part 3. Digging in the roman city of Sanisera

The research is focused on the archaeological excavation of Sanisera and it studies what happened in this Roman port connected to the maritime traffic that sailed the Mediterranean during those times. As a result, we know that this is a very interesting archaeological site, with abundant findings of multiple artifacts that will help us to reconstruct its past.

The excavation at the Roman city of Sanisera provides all the archaeological documentation necessary for the student to acquire enough training and experience in all aspects involving an excavation of the Roman civilization from the II century B.C. to the VI A.D.

Time dedicated to this part of the program: 50%.

2. What you will learn

In the Fieldwork

•   How archaeological techniques are used.

•   Use and handling of the tools that are used during the fieldwork process.

•   Basid principles of stratigraphy.

•   Recording data obtained.

•   Objects photo-taking using photogrammetry standards.

•   Practice in the recognition of archaeological materials and Roman finds from

  the II century B. C. to VI A. D.

  In the Laboratory

•   Recording data obtained -diary and systematic methodology sheets-.

•   Study and typological classification of archaeological Roman objects discovered .

•   Study and typological classification of archaeological objects of Roman

  archaeology: ceramics, numismatics, faunal remains, metals and glass.

•   Relative dating based on the classification of archaeological objects discovered in

  stratigraphic sequence.

•   Handling of the pictures from the objects in order to prepare them for 3D

  processing with Agisoft PhotoScan.

  Theory

•  Underwater Archaeological background of Sanisera

•  Ancient trade in Sanisera and the Western Mediterranean Sea.

•  Ancient navigation.

•  Modern sail merchant ships (centuries 16th - 20th).

•  History, archaeology, economy and culture of the Roman civilization.

• Introduction to the History of the Sanisera Site.

•  Minorcan archaeology before the Roman conquest of the Balearic Islands.

Directed at:

This course offered by the Sanisera Archaeology Institute is designed to teach with precision this field of research. If you are interested in learning underwater survey techniques and methodology and apply them in a Roman port where you will find amphorae, anchors and the remains of shipwrecks, then this is a good option for you.

During this course, you will learn how to identify archaeological remains on the seabed. In the laboratory, you will learn how to classify archaeological material found and how to determine dates and methods used to determine the location and elements of the cargos from shipwrecks. Students will also gain experience in the handle of 3D images from sunken objects.

After finishing this course, the training and experience gained will help you to decide if underwater archaeology is the area of research that you wish to focus on or if you want to continue on with underwater archaeology as a future profession.

The water is very clear in Menorca, with an astonishing visibility, often up to 18 to 20 meters. The water is calm and mild in temperature and currant, allowing for excellent diving conditions in a natural and pristine Mediterranean atmosphere.

Also, you can learn from the beginning excavation techniques and methodology. During the excavation, you will find archaeological remains from the classical period including Roman pottery, amphorae, glass, etc. that you will learn how to identify in the laboratory.

Previous knowledge or experience in archaeology or computer systems is not required.

4. Field School Life & Language

The course runs six hours per day. The day will be divided between diving in the Roman Port of Sanitja, lab work, exercises, lectures, videos and excursions. The course is taught in English and Spanish.

5. Diving certificate

To participate in diving activities, it is necessary to have a diving certificate from an internationally recognized organization (i.e. PADI) that will allow you to dive up to 18 meters.

If you want to participate in the underwater archaeology course and don’t have the Open Water Diving certificate allowing you to dive up to 18 meters, no worries! We offer you the possibility of getting the title with our Diving Center collaborator. For only $225 extra you will be able to dive anywhere in the world.

6. Medical Check

On the first day of the course, participants must show a medical document stating that he/she is fit for diving activities. Participants that do not have this document on the first day will not be allowed to participate until they are able to present this document.

7. Certificates

At the end of the Field Program, students will receive a certificate of participation stating the hours and activities of the course. Participants that perform exceedingly well in the course may receive a letter of recommendation from our organization upon request.

Sessions & Cost

Spaces Available

The course is limited to 8 participants per session. Reservations are only effective when payment of the registration fee is received. If for any reason the course is cancelled, payment is returned according to the field school refund policy.