BH projects 2008
• BITOLA HERITAGE VOLUNTEER WORKCAMP

Project type: volunteer camp
Site/s: HERACLEA LYNCESTIS (founded in the 4-th century B.C. by Philip of Macedon and conquered by the Romans two centuries later) was one of the key urban centers on Via Egnatia road connecting Rome and Asia Minor in Antiquity.
Period(s) of occupation: Hellenistic, Roman, Late Antique (4-th century B.C. – 6-th century A.D.)
Travel/access to the site: Bitola is in the Southwestern part of Republic of Macedonia, 15 km from the border with Greece. It may be reached by both bus and train from major Macedonian cities and border points. The nearest air terminals are Skopje (160 km), Ohrid (75 km) and Thessalonica (Greece) (180 km). If participants arrive by plane on these airports, a transfer to Bitola may be arranged by request (Specify this in your application form!). Individual or group transfers’ price may vary depending on both distance and number of participants from 25 to 100 EUR. Ask for details!

Description: In last 50 years Institute, Museum and Gallery– Bitola (Macedonia) has excavated the site of Heraclea Lyncestis uncovering Hellenistic, Roman and Late Antique pages of town history. In 1950s state authorities declared archaeological heritage there for an archaeological reserve. During last half century were uncovered and restored significant monuments of Antiquity (Forum, Amphitheater, Early Christian basilicas and residential buildings (many of them decorated with polychrome mosaics). Season 2008 envisions excavations in 3 sectors: The area behind the hill (Hellenistic), Theater forum (Roman) and Northern necropolis (Late Antique). Excavations require local and international volunteers to take part in digging, brushing, measuring, washing and cataloguing artifacts etc.) and the maintenance of archaeological sites (painting, removing grass and plants, cutting trees, cleaning and conservation activities). Volunteers will be involved in the development of advocacy campaign VISIT THE MUSEUM - this is a local campaign aiming to raise public awareness towards cultural heritage promotion and attraction of more visitors to the Museum and heritage sites. Activities will take place in the town on rotational basis. The work is from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm every day but weekends with 30 min break. All volunteers interested in Archaeology and Cultural heritage preservation are welcome. Six workshops and lectures in the area of Classical archaeology and Ancient history as well as cultural heritage management will be provided. Excursions to Ohrid and Ohrid lake as well as Pelister national park will be organized for all Workcamp participants.

Archaeological and historical context: At the western side of the modern city of Bitola lies the ancient one. It is situated on a low hill at the crossroad of Via Egnatia (called so after 148 B.C.) and the road connecting Pelagonia with the Vardar valley. Such a location made Heraclea strategically important, and it became the principal town and administrative center of the district of Lyncestis (a fertile plain surrounded by wooded mountains). Heraclea is mentioned in the chronicles describing the campaigns of Julius Caesar during the civil wars as a supply depot, and inscriptions of veterans who settled here date as early as the turn of the new era. Numerous private and official inscriptions as well as discovered monuments and artifacts attest town’s importance during the Early Roman Empire. Many names of bishops from Heraclea came from the 4-th, 5-th, and 6-th century A.D. sources. Twice the Ostrogoths led by their king Theodorich in 472 A.D. and again in 479 sacked it but it was restored in the late 5-th and the early 6-th century A.D. Finally the Slavs in the late 6-th century conquered Pelagonia and the Heraclea’s urban history came to the end.

Excavations have revealed several sections of the fortification wall on the acropolis and two basilicas in the main part of the town. Both basilicas have well-preserved mosaics from the 5-th, and 6-th century A.D., depicting geometric and figured patterns. The most interesting of the mosaics, remarkable for its size and decoration structure was found in the narthex of the large basilica – the rectangle framework (110 sq.m) contains 36 octagonal panels with images of fishes, water birds and mythological figures; the panels are linked by intricate meanders. Excavations near both basilicas have uncovered 4-th, and 5-th century A.D. streets and buildings. Mosaics cover the floors of several private and public buildings near the basilicas. A large part of the ancient theater, built on the slopes of the acropolis in the 2-nd century A.D., has been excavated and the auditorium has been recently restored.

Organizer: BH fieldschool
Workcamp leader: Engin Nasuh
Workcamp dates: 2-16 august 2008
Application Deadline: 1 July 2008
Minimum age: 16
Number of workcamp places available: 8-16
Language: English
Notes: hard physical work under hot South European sun (average temperatures 25–35°C or higher). The project is not recommended for those with solar allergies or other special illnesses. Local workers will assist work.
Experience required: No
Room and Board arrangements: In 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-bedded rooms with WC & Showers (single rooms available upon request for an additional fee of 100 EUR) in a town hotel near the site. Three meals per day are being served in the hotel restaurant. Requests for vegetarian food are also accepted. Participants are not expected to bring any additional equipment.
Free time: Guided visits around the town of Bitola and to Ohrid and Ohrid lake as well as Pelister national park are organized for all workcamp participants. The town of Bitola offers many opportunities for sport and entertainment. http://www.bitola.gov.mk. There is also an opportunity to join an extra excursion before or after the workcamp.

Participation fee: 399 EUR * (app. 520 USD but check current exchange rates! ) – including full-board accommodation, excursions/sightseeing tours/entrance fees, participation in workshops, medical insurance and administrative costs. Travel to and from the workcamp and all additional expenses are covered by volunteers. 10% discount of the participation fee available in case of early registration (before 10 January 2008). 15% discount from the participation fee available in case of participation in more than 1 BH project.

* This amount is valid for all participants, who apply directly before BH fieldschool. Applicants using SEEYN or Alliance networks’ member as a sending organization pay different participation fees (Please refer to your sending organization!)

APPLY ONLINE FOR PARTICIPATION IN BITOLA HERITAGE VOLUNTEER WORKCAMP