Bulgarian Archaeological Association

TESTIMONIAL

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FIELD SCHOOL COURSES

Training Excavation

The investigations will include extensive stratigraphic excavations, as well as mapping of the archaeological features and architectural remains uncovered. In the course of the training excavation students will attain basic surveying skills. An individual programme of activities intended to give students direct experience of all the activities follows up this training. Students will be taught to take responsibility for the excavation and recording of their own area, under the guidance of a site supervisor.

This practical course provides an ideal introduction to the world of archaeology. Prior experience is not necessary, as training will be provided in excavation methodology, surveying, planning, archaeological drawing, etc.

Class hours will be 7.30 am to 1.30 pm on site. Monday-Friday.

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Planning and Section Drawing

Participants will be taught how to draw the features they excavate - both in plan and in section (profile). Planning is usually carried out with the use of a 1 metre planning frame and at a scale of 1:20.

During the course the following topics will be covered:
• Surveying Techniques: Setting out a Grid - Plane Table Drawing; Levelling; Contour surveying using a Theodolite
• Trowelling, planning and recording of archaeological features.
• Architectural survey
• Context sheet recording
• Artefact identification
• Archaeological photography.

See some of the students works here >>>

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Laboratory

The project incorporates daily laboratory work where students participate in the processing and documentation of the artifacts recovered from the site. All participants will have a chance to work with artefacts recovered during the excavation. This work will involve washing them and marking them with their find and context number.

During the course the following topics will be covered:
   • Artefact retrieval, identification and recording procedures.
   • Finds processing and cataloguing
   • Analysis of finds
   • Draughtsmanship ('Inking - in')

See some of the students works here >>>

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Lectures

Several lectures are given as part of the field school. Informal on-site lectures will include an introduction to site reconnaissance, survey, excavation unit set-up, and the mapping of archaeological features in section and in plan. Formal lectures given at the beginning of the session will include an overview and introduction to Bulgarian archaeology. Specific thematic lectures will focus on architecture, ceramic remains and artifact illustration. Lab sessions will cover basic finds processing and inventory as well as preliminary artifact analyses.

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During the course the following topics will be covered:
   • The fortification system and construction periods from the 1st to the 6th century.
   • Roman towns - structure, main buildings and everyday life.
   • Roman economy (agriculture and handicraft) processing in villas.
   • Roman art (sculpture, mosaic, funeral monuments).
   • Layout and architecture of the military forts during the Principate and the Late Antique Period.

ADDITONAL COURSES

The additional courses offer a combination of outdoor and studio-based activities, although the exact balance of demonstrations, individual or group activities and one-to-one tuition varies according to the type of course. The courses start with basic principles and show how you can appreciate and master essential techniques to express form and ideas.

Note!
•The additional courses are restricted to students of the "Roman project" Archaeological Field School only.
•These trainings are based on an individual programme, which complements the Field School activities. The tuition is provided at a variety of levels to cater for the individual needs of participants.
•All equipment and materials are covered by our fees.
•All additional courses incorporate a study tours open to anyone with curiosity about the natural world.
•No previous knowledge or qualifications are necessary.
•The courses are supervised by professional artists and teachers, share their knowledge and skills, give constructive criticism and help you to develop your confidence.
•These courses are suitable both for beginners and professional archaeologists wishing to develop their skills and knowledge.

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Ceramic Workshop

This is an intensive course based on practical experience with pottery. The course gives basic knowledge on establishing of raw materials, manufacturing techniques and vessel functions. This year the course will focus on the experimentation in bisque pottery firing methods.

During the course the following topics will be covered:
   • Ceramics in Archaeology.
   • Technological analyses.
   • Establish choice of raw materials.
   • Manufacturing techniques.
   • Vessel functions.
   • Vessel shapes and decorative elements.

Drawing and Sketching

This course offers the opportunity to concentrate on the artistic elements of the archaeological documentation. All these courses encourage you to work in pencil, charcoal and a variety of other drawing and sketching media.

Timetable of the additional courses for groups starting afternoon at 5 pm. Approximately duration of a lesson per day is 2 hours.

During the course the following topics will be covered:

• Classical type drawing. This is a course for anyone who wants practice with basic techniques. There will be plenty of demonstrations, structured exercises and individual tuition to help you improve your understanding of brushwork and tone.

• Drawing with the help of a model. This section gives opportunity for students to practice how to use materials and techniques and how to approach a complete picture.

• Nature drawing - excursions to a different locations. This section offers for each student to gain a feeling of accomplishment through increased perception and skills, while enjoying the atmosphere of this historic and inspirational setting.

Tutor: Nia Pushkarova MA Fine Arts - Reading University, UK