Location: Redondo, Portugal
Flyer:
santa_susana_2019_flyer.pdf
Program Type
RPA certified
Affiliation:
Project Director:
Project Description
The Santa Susana Archaeological Project is seeking applicants for its seventh season of excavation and survey at the large Roman villa site in Alto Alentejo, Portugal.
This site holds a villa complex central to our understanding of the complex processes of colonization and settlement in this part of the Roman Empire. Preliminary work at the site suggests a rich artifact assemblage dating to the first through the sixth century C.E. Work in prior seasons has begun to reveal the remains of numerous structures at Santa Susana, including both the domestic and productive spaces. We are especially interested in further excavation of the large, first century C.E. domestic area that we began to uncover in 2014.
Our seventh season will also see a continuation of our intensive intrasite survey of the area around the pars urbana. We will continue to carefully map the archaeological remains in the territory around the villa, and students will receive ample training in both the recognition and categorization of artifacts, particularly Roman ceramics. Visible architectural features both within the villa complex and around it will be cleaned, mapped, photographed and drawn. Several test pits will be placed in strategic locations, giving students the opportunity to excavate concomitantly with the survey. Students will have the opportunity to assist with the excavation of smaller structures near the main body of the villa, including an early Roman watchtower near the site.
Students will receive instruction in surveying techniques, excavation, the handling and processing of artifacts, and the recording of exposed architectural and stratigraphic features. Instruction in the field will be supplemented by regular field trips to sites in the region as well as weekly lectures and seminar-style discussions lead by members of our staff. No prior archaeological experience is necessary!
Students with a particular interest in learning the ins and outs of field archaeology, artifact analysis, and their connection to the "classroom study" of the ancient Mediterranean are especially encouraged to apply.
Period(s) of Occupation: Iron Age, early Roman period, Roman Imperial period, late antiquity, early middle ages
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks
Room and Board Arrangements
Housing: Students are housed in the town of Redondo, Portugal, very near to the archaeological site. Space is communal, and most rooms house two or more students (sometimes in bunk beds). Sleeping arrangements are separated by gender. We share a kitchen, bathrooms, washing machine, and living room, and so we also share the responsibility of cleaning these spaces.
Meals: The project provides three meals per day on weekdays. Breakfast is provided at the dig house, and students are expected to prepare it themselves. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, and dinner is provided by other local restaurants but eaten at home. Students should expect to eat the traditional cuisine of the Alentejo region. We make every effort to accommodate vegetarians, but any participant with special dietary requirements or food allergies must contact us before the beginning of the project. On weekends, students should expect to provide their own meals. Redondo has some restaurants that stay open on weekends, and there are two grocery stores in town as well as numerous cafes and shops. Since we often take field trips on weekends, students have the opportunity to sample the restaurants of other towns and regions.
Transportation: The project provides transportation while students are in Portugal. Students must purchase their own plane tickets to and from Lisbon, Portugal. We meet students at the Lisbon airport when they arrive and bring them to Redondo, Portugal. At the end of their two-week or four-week session, we also transport students back to Lisbon, either directly to the airport or elsewhere in the city if they are planning on a longer stay after the project. Please be sure to inform us of your travel plans as far in advance as possible!
The Town of Redondo: Redondo is a small and very friendly community. Students have ample opportunity to explore the town during their free time. Free wireless internet connections are available at the community center (closed on Mondays). If you want to make use of this connection you'll need to bring your own laptop. We also have access to the local community pool -- so bring your swimsuits! Small shops, great little museums, plenty of pottery workshops and the nearby countryside make this lovely community an ideal place for your first - or second, or third - experience in field archaeology.
Academic Credit
Number of credits offered Credit may be possible through the University of Central Oklahoma, but that is still being negotiated.