Archaeology of violence in the Spanish Civil War

Location: Oviedo, Asturias, España

Season: August 5, 2024 to July 31, 2024

Session Dates: 5 th to 31 st of August 2024

Application Deadline: July 1, 2024

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/History-Museum/Asociaci%C3%B3n-Espa%C3%B1ola-de-Arqueolog%C3%ADa-Militar-108995293795121/

Discount for AIA members: 10%

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
AEAM Spaniard Association of Military Archaeology

Project Director:
Phd. Alfonso Fanjul Peraza

Project Description:

Our main objective is to document Asturias’ war and conflict history through archaeological research. We examine valuable information and material through a scientific perspective, in a non-political manner that allows a neutral examination of past conflict throughout the region.

We often excavate trenches that saw wartime action in the Battle of Oviedo in 1936-7. These trenches are generally located along the mountains surrounding the city, where both the Nationalist and Communist troops were positioned. This next summer season, we will be focusing our excavations on the battlefield of Escamplero. Here, we will be excavating a nationalist first fire line trench. The Escamplero is a low mountain pass that connects the western side of Asturias with the city of Oviedo. The Republican troops took to the location in the attempt to prevent the arrival of Nationalist troops to break the siege on the city. When Nationalists tried to take over the pass, a large battle ensued to defend the Escamplero of their assault.

The Nationalists succeeded in taking control of the pass, opening up a small road, called Grado´s Corredor, to help the besieged Oviedo. In the months following, the red army continued in their attempt to once again regain the Escamplero , as it was the perfect place to cut off that supply route. The area witnessed many months of conflict, leaving the hills full of trenches, tunnels, bunkers, fortified houses, and even mass graves.

Period(s) of Occupation: Spanish Civil War 1936/1939

Notes:
We head out to the site around 9 am in the morning, arriving between 9:30 and 10. There, we will set up continue our excavations until around 1 pm, where we will take a lunch break on site. Depending on weather and the day’s progress, we generally start to pack up and leave around 5 pm. After arriving back at the house (and having a much needed shower), we organize our day’s findings and begin cleaning and documenting the artifacts. Monday through Saturday we are out in the field carrying out excavations. Sunday is our day off, and if car space allows, we will take day trips to surrounding areas, be it a beach and seaside village, or visiting other archaeological sites such as hillforts or Neolithic caves. We stay in a building of apartments in the center of Oviedo city. Getting to Oviedo Or you flight to London, Paris, Lisbon were they have direct flights to Oviedo/Asturias airport, or you flight to Madrid and you pick up a bus. You can buy a bus ticket from the ALSA bus company. These buses leave out of Terminal 4 (there will be signs to direct you) and the journey is usually 6 hours (Don’t worry, there is a toilet!). It is best to buy your bus ticket a week or two BEFOREHAND, or as soon as you know your flight schedule, as these buses tend to fill up. This bus will take you to the Oviedo City bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Oviedo). Give us your estimated arrival time, and we will be there to pick you up! How to Apply? Just an email telling who you are and you would reserve a vacancy when you buy your flight ticket and you send us a copy of it, so we know for sure that you are definitely coming here.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: Experience is Not required

Room and Board Arrangements:
All the members of the team have a room in a building of apartments in Oviedo city center.

Academic Credit:
Official certificate of the archaeological experience from the Asociación Española de Arqueología Militar (Spanisard Association of Military Archaeology)