Celtic-Iron Age Necropolis of Pintia

  Spain

• Valladolid: 
Valladolid

Term: Summer 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 1-29; July 3-31; August 6-September 3, 2009

Description: The excavation focuses on the Vaccean necropolis. The Vaccean culture was an Iron Age people with Celtic links that settled in north-central Spain around the 5th century BC. The cemetery, located about 300 meters (984 feet) from the main settlement, was used between the 4th century BC and the 1st century. Up to 2004, archaeologists had uncovered about 70 cremation tombs. In 2005 the crew opened a new area and found the first eight of a series of 35 new burials in excellent condition - most of them belonging to warriors and featuring a bounty of war-related artifacts. Research in this area of the site is helping investigators understand better the social organization of these pre-Roman peoples.

In 2007 the teams uncovered 25 cremation tombs, the majority belonging to women and children from the 2nd century BC. And of the 300 funerary artifacts found, about 100 came from a single burial of two girls. Last year we unearthed around two dozen more tombs containing warriors, women and children. Our most important find was Tomb #153 and its 115 grave goods, including some unique ceramic copies of jewelry. This year we will be opening more ground in the necropolis.

The university will clear the site in May of any vegetation and topsoil that may have accumulated over the winter. When the first international team arrives in June, the necropolis will be ready for excavation. Participants will be involved in excavation, mapping, photography, and artifact conservation, cataloguing and exhibition.

In addition to the excavation and lab work, there will be a number of seminars and workshops related to the fieldwork, and excursions to Roman and Medieval sites nearby. All the information will be in both Spanish and English.

Highlights: The group will also tour the main places of interest in the Peñafiel area. Fortunately, the province of Valladolid features a large number of interesting attractions for the lovers of Ancient and Medieval History and Archaeology. We believe that visiting the sites in the region is essential to understanding the archaeological work at Pintia. All of these excursions are included in the program costs.

Visits may vary depending on your participation dates and the excavation schedule.

* Peñafiel: Medieval town and castle
* Peñaranda de Duero and the Roman city of Clunia.
* Capital city of Valladolid: Cathedral, National Sculpture Museum
* Monesterio de la Santa Espina, Urueña, Castle of Torrelobaton
* Capital city of Segovia: Roman Aqueduct, Gothic Cathedral, Granja de San Ildefonso
* Medieval town of Salamanca
* Capital city of Burgos: Cathedral, archaeological museum, Cartuja de Miraflores
* Ruta de Arlanza: Medieval towns of Silos, Lerma and Covarrubias.

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$: $2,250 per session

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 15

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