Archaeological Excavation: Roman Theater of Clunia

  Spain

• All Other Areas: 
Burgos

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 1-30, 2009

Description: ArchaeoSpain participants at the archaeological excavation of Clunia will join a field crew alongside archaeologists from the Universities of Valladolid, Burgos and Barcelona. Next summer we will be continuing the excavation of the city's theater, the largest of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula.

In recent years ArchaeoSpain teams have assisted in two major discoveries: deep archaeological levels that have redefined the theater's architecture and an elaborate drainage system.

Not long ago we began the excavation of the backstage area, uncovering several subterranean rooms which were possibly used by actors and gladiators. A larger-than-life-size marble statue of a woman - maybe a goddess - emerged almost whole. And last year, to our surprise, diggers uncovered a small necropolis just behind the theater's back wall. The analysis of these burials will help us to understand how the theater was used in antiquity.

The 2009 team will be working on this backstage area of the theater and possibly help locate part of the drainage system which is still a mystery to us.

The 2,000-year-old city sits atop a vast plateau about 3,360 feet above sea level. So far archaeologists have unearthed countless public monuments and structures, including the Forum, the Basilica, two bath complexes, several houses, and the theater the focus of our current work.

ArchaeoSpain at Clunia involves excavation, mapping, photography, and the conservation and cataloguing of artifacts. All participants are expected to engage in all archaeological activities during the program. While Spanish-speaking ability is not a prerequisite, we will be immersed in the language daily. The work can be demanding due to the summer heat and the physical nature of the excavation so participants should be in reasonable physical condition and in good health.

The group will also make time to experience Spain away from the shovels and wheelbarrows, either at the local cafe/bar or by touring several nearby Celtiberian, Roman, Visigoth and Medieval sites of interest. Also, the regional capital of Burgos is only about one hour from Clunia and the group will spend a day there.

Qualifications: Previous fieldwork experience and Spanish language abilities are not required to join the field crews. All we ask is that applicants share a desire to learn about Spanish history and culture.

Cost in US$: $2,450

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A university student (undergraduate or graduate) studying Archaeology

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

ArchaeoSpain's Mission Statement: ArchaeoSpain is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by a group of archaeologists and teachers with the goal of providing an opportunity for people from all over the world to participate in scientific research important archaeological excavations in Spain and Italy. We are committed to furthering cultural exchange and experience in archaeology.

Year Founded: 2000