Location: Herdade do Freixo Meio, Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal
Season: March 14, 2027 to September 18, 2027
Session Dates: 1st Session: March 14 - March 27, 2027 | 2nd Session: September 5 - September 18, 2027
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://arcus.pt/en/freixo-project/
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
ARCUS - Cultural Heritage Co-operative
Project Director:
Filipa Araújo dos Santos (ARCUS); Nelson J. Almeida (University of Évora and Legado da Terra Co-operative); Ana Catarina Basílio (University of Évora and ARCUS)
Project Description:
The project consists on the archaeological excavation of a Neolithic village discovered on the Herdade do Freixo do Meio. The Early Neolithic was the very first moment in human history when people deliberately sought to influence the production of natural resources. Yet, throughout the millennia in which this period lasted, the use of ecosystems left only a reversible footprint, respecting the rhythms and needs of nature. This research is part of a broader study aimed at generating data to safeguard the traditional and ancestral landscape of the Alentejo Montado.
Students will live together at Herdade Freixo do Meio, close to the archaeological site. During the week we will dig in the morning (7.30 am to 1 pm), then head to the canteen for lunch. In the afternoons, you will have different propositions depending on the day: there will be afternoons to just rest and relax, enjoying the countryside side; others to acquiring knowledge through experimental archaeology activities, laboratory work and artifact inventory; and others will be for sharing knowledge with workshops on traditional activities such as basketry and pottery.
Also, Herdade do Freixo offers a truly unique experience, set within a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose. While the program runs, daily rural life on the estate — from farming to shepherding and more — will continue as usual. Students will be invited to experience this collaborative atmosphere with guided tours of Herdade do Freixo and involvement in its daily life. And in some afternoons, students will be invited to join the restoration works on a full-scale historical reconstruction of a Neolithic village.
Period(s) of Occupation: Prehistory, Mesolithic, Neolithic
Notes:
The implementation of this project is part of a partnership between ARCUS - Cultural Heritage Co-operative and Herdade do Freixo do Meio.
If you're willing to apply, please fill in the form provided online in the website https://arcus.pt/en/freixo-project/#application
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Two weeks
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: None
Room and Board Arrangements:
On the first day of every session, everyone will meet in the Lisbon airport to be driven to Herdade do Freixo do Meio, in Foros de Vale Figueira (Montemor-o-Novo). If you are unable to arrive in this dates, you will still be able to join the project. You will just have to take the bus (about 1 hour) from Lisbon to Montemor-o-Novo.
Rooms: The rooms will mostly accommodate two students each, separated by gender. The rest of the house is communal. The students will be responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy and for doing their own laundry.
Meals: The project provides 3 meals a day on weekdays. Breakfast will be eaten at the house and students are expected to prepare this meal themselves (ingredients such as cereal, yoghurts, toast, etc. will be provided). We will eat lunch and dinner at the local canteen.
Please note: We are able to accommodate vegetarian diets, but any other diets must be discussed before the start of the project.
Academic Credit:
We are happy to sign any forms you may need so you can get academic credit. We are also happy to help you fill out your UK or AUS archaeology passport.
