Petroto Archaeological & Palaeoenvironmental Programme

Location: Petroto, Trikala, Greece

Season: August 9, 2026 to August 30, 2026

Session Dates: 3 weeks session: August 9–30, 2026

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Hellenic Ministry of Culture

Project Director:
Dr. Maria Vaiopoulou, Dr. Angelos Gkotsinas

Project Description:

The Petroto Archaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Programme (PAPP) is an interdisciplinary research and excavation project focused on the Bronze Age settlement of Petroto (ca. 3200–1100 BC), located in the Regional Unit of Trikala in Thessaly, Central Greece. Petroto is currently the only systematically excavated Bronze Age habitation site in the region, offering a rare opportunity to explore prehistoric settlement patterns and daily life in Western Thessaly.

The aim of the project is to shed light on the organization, economy, and long-term development of Petroto society from the Early to the Late Bronze Age—leading up to the Mycenaean palatial period, by combining traditional archaeological approaches with environmental archaeology and scientific research. The project integrates excavation and material culture studies (pottery, stratigraphy, and architecture) with environmental archaeology protocols (zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, and geology), as well as scientific methods such as archaeometry, radiocarbon (¹⁴C) dating, thermoluminescence (TL), and stable isotope analysis.

To date, excavations have revealed numerous buildings and burials dating from Early Helladic II to Late Helladic IIIC. These discoveries include a rich assemblage of material culture artefacts, such as pottery, figurines, and metal objects, alongside human skeletal remains and other biological remains, including animal bones and charred seeds. Together, these findings contribute to a holistic reconstruction of life, environment, and social organization at Petroto.

The program welcomes participants from all backgrounds who share a genuine interest and passion for archaeology, regardless of academic training, prior experience, or country of origin. Participants will gain hands-on experience with archaeological excavation techniques, environmental archaeology protocols, and basic principles of conservation.

In addition, specialized classes in pottery analysis and zooarchaeology are offered, alongside a series of seminars and lectures covering a broad range of topics, including archaeology, pottery studies, archaeometallurgy, lithics, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, and osteoarchaeology.

Period(s) of Occupation: Aegean Bronze Age (Early - Middle - Late): 3200-1100 BC

Notes:
Systematic excavations at the site have been ongoing since 2011 and are conducted by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture under the co-direction of Dr Maria Vaiopoulou, archaeologist and Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Karditsa, and Dr Angelos Gkotsinas, archaeologist–zooarchaeologist of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia. Staff member speak Greek, English, French and Spanish.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required, although previous archaeological or fieldwork experience is welcome

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students are housed in mixed-gender dormitories with shared washroom facilities in the village of Petroto. The fee includes daily transportation to and from the excavation site, accommodation, breakfast, snacks, and lunch (Monday–Friday), as well as weekend excursions (transportation and museum/site entrance fees). For details, contact: petroto.program@gmail.com