Balkan heritage projects 2013:
ANCIENT GREEKS IN THE LAND OF DIONYSOS - EXCAVATION OF EMPORION PISTIROS, THRACE


Panagyurishte Gold Treasure (4th - 3rd century BC), found in the vicinity (60 km) of Pistiros.
 
Project type: field school (excavations) THE PROJECT IS SUITABLE FOR BOTH BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED IN FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY!
 
Site: Emporion Pistiros, between the small towns of Septemvri and Vetren,  Southern Bulgaria.
 
Project Venue: the spa village of Varvara, Southern Bulgaria is situated 14 km away from the site, in the foothills of majestic Rhodopi Mountains. There are several spa & wellness hotels and swimming pools with mineral water in the village that is also a stop on the picturesque narrow gauge railway (the last functioning one in Bulgaria) from Septemvri to Dobrinishte. 
 
Period(s) of occupation: Classical, Hellenistic (5th – 2nd century BC)

The nearest air terminals: Sofia (Bulgaria, 85 km) and Plovdiv (Bulgaria, 50 km) - don't forget checking the low cost  flight options! If participants arrive at the one of these airports, a transfer to the project venue in the village of Varvara may be arranged by request (Please, specify this in your application form!). Individual or group transfers’ price may vary depending on both distance and number of passengers from 25 to 100 EUR.

Travel/access to the project venue: The village of Varvara is located in Thrace, Southern Bulgaria, 7 km from the municipal town of Septemvri. It may be reached by both bus and train from either Sofia (app. 1½-2 hours) or Plovdiv (app.1 hour).
 
Description:

In 1988 prof. M. Domaradzki (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) uncovered on the left bank of the Maritsa  River (ancient Hebros), between the towns of  Vetren and Septemvri (in present day Bulgaria)  the ruins of the Ancient Greek trade centre (emporion) once located deep in Thrace, in the Odryssian kingdom (the strongest and mightiest of all Thracian kingdoms existing at the time). Prof. M. Domaradzki started regular excavations there and in 1990 his team found the stone inscription (known as “Vetren inscription”) that helped the scholars to identify the site as the Ancient Greek emporion, named Pistiros. Merchants from Greek coastal cities of Maroneia, Thassos and Apollonia lived and traded there with their Thracian neighbours under the supreme protection of the Thracian Odryssian kings. The emporion was also a major metallurgical centre and a key harbour for export of metals and metal products from Thrace to Greece in the Classical and Early Hellenistic periods (from the middle of the 5-th to the beginning of the 3-rd  century BC). The trade contacts of the emporion are evident through finds of numerous  imports such as Attic red-figured and black-glazed pottery, amphorae (mainly Thasian) and coins (including several hoards of cooper, silver and gold coins found during the excavations - they represent the coinage of different Odryssean kings (e.g. Amatokos I, Bergaios, Kotys I, Amatokos II, Teres II, Kersebleptes, Teres II), Greek cities (Thasos, Maroneia, Parion, Thracian Chersonese, Kypsela, Enos, Apollonia, Messabria etc.) and Macedonian rulers (Philip II, Alexander the Great, Kassandros, Demetrios Poliokretes, Lysimachos etc.).

Most of the ancient authors as the majority of the modern scholars consider the cult of Dionysos rooting in Thrace. It played a very important role in the emporion’s religious life. For instance the Vetren inscription informs about the oath taken in the name of Dionysos by the Odryssian king: Kotys I and his successor from the citizens of Pistiros - this how they guaranteed the integrity of their lives, properties and activities in their town under the sovereignty of the Thracian kings.  

Pistiros history in brief:

  • around 500 BC – Date of the earliest artifacts found on the territory of Pistiros.
  • 475 - 450 BC - Date of the the earliest Attic pottery found at the site - the foundation of Pistiros (like the foundation of the most Greek collonies elswhere) was probably preceded by varios pre-colonial economic and political activities. Greek economic and cultural penetration in the interior of Thrace was intesified after the Persian withdrawal from the Balkans following the battles of Marathon (490 BC) and Salamis (480 BC);
  • 450 - 425 BC – Foundation of the emporion by colonists from the Aegean cities of Maronia, Thassos and Apollonia. Major structures and features of fortification and drainage system were constructed along with tracing and paving of the streets; 
  • 370-s BC – Period of significant reconstructions in the emporion during the reign of the Thracian Odryssean king Kotys I;
  • 359 - 357 BC – Citizens of Pistiros re-contract their rights and obligations with the successor of Kotys I;
  • 350/345 BC – The emporion suffered from the invasion of Philip II Macedon in Thrace;
  • 300 BC – Devastation of Pistiros by the Celts;
  • 278 BC – Massive invasion of the Celts in the Balkans: Ultimate devastation of the emporion. Afterwards the settlement lost its trading importance and turned into a local metal production centre.

                                                           ***

In the course of time after 1988 the Pistiros Excavation Team lead by representatives of National Archaeological Institute with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) was joined  by the following institutions:
  • National Museum of History – Sofia, Bulgaria;
  • National Historical Museum- Pazardjik, Bulgaria;
  • Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria;
  • Archaeological Museum “Prof. M. Domaradzki”, Septemvri, Bulgaria;
  • The Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic;
  • Liverpool University, Great Britain;
  • The French School at Athens, Greece;
  • Balkan Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria.

So far archaeologists uncovered the Eastern fortification wall of the emporion (having one gate, several towers, and a bastion - all built of stone blocks analogically to the Thassian fortification system), streets paved by stone plates, solid stone foundations of buildings as well as an efficient drainage system. Despite the long period of study there are still many questions concerning Pistiros to be answered - for instance:

  • what is the dynamic of architectural evolution of the settlement  following the disasters such as devastations, earthquakes, fires and flood;
  • which Ancient cults were practiced in Pistiros;
  • what were the relations and the interactions between the different ethnical groups in Pistiros: Greeks, Thracians, Celts.

In 2013 the Ancient Greeks in the Land of Dionysus - Excavation of Emporion Pistiros, Thrace PROJECT envisions further excavation of the following site's areas:

  1. the SE sector - an area next to the fortification wall with higher concentration of cult artifacts and features: pits, clay escharae (cult altars) etc.     
  2. the Central sector of the site, where remains of the earliest period of the emporion’s existence are expected to be found.
  3. the Extramural sector (outside of the fortification wall), where archaeologists aim to collect further data about the settlement structure and history.
Two project sessions are available in 2013 and each includes the following three modules: fieldwork including excavation, maintaining a field journal on a daily basis, filling context sheets and labels, drawing an elevation plan/ a ground plan/ a cross-section, 3D positioning of finds, taking coordinates with a level device, and taking photographs at the site; lectures, workshops and field trainings in Classical and Field Archaeology, Finds' processing and Documentation as well as excursions to various cultural and archaeological sites in the region such as the ancient town of Plovdiv.

The participants in both project sessions of the Field School will be able to  develop further their skills and competences regarding the field work and finds processing, gained during the first two-week session and to attend a number of extra lectures, workshops and an excursion to some of the most remarkable Thracian royal tombs in the Rose valley in and around Kazanlak and Starosel.

All participants will receive:
  • Project handbook (in PDF version by e-mail and a hard copy on arrival);
  • Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited.
New Bulgarian University grants 6 credits to students for participation in one project session and 9 credits for participation in two sessions. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee! For details please read the BHFS Regulations for obtaining ToR!
 

Affiliation: Balkan Heritage Foundation, Pistiros Excavation Team: National Archaeological Institute with Museum at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Prof. Mieczyslaw Domaradzki” Archaeological Museum in Septemvri  and New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria); “Pistiros” Association; University of Liverpool (England); Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic).

Dig Director/s: Ass. Prof. Alexey Gotsev, PhD in Archaeology, Department of Thracian Archaeology, National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Director of Pistiros Excavation Team.

Prof. Jan Bouzek, PhD in Archaeology, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic; Dig Director of the Czech  Excavation Team at the emporion Pistiros;

Ass. Prof. Zofia H. Archibald, PhD in Archaeology; University of Liverpool – Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology Department, Great Britain; Dig Director of the British Excavation Team at the emporion Pistiros.

Project Coordinator: Angela Pencheva, Balkan Heritage Program Manager; PhD student in Classical Archaeology at Humboldt University-Berlin, Germany.

Dates:

Field School Project Session 1: 2 July – 16 July, 2013

Field School Project Session 2:  16 July-30 July, 2013

Application Deadlines: until the places are filled or latest 1st of June, 2013 

Minimum length of stay for participants: Two weeks

Minimum age: 18 (16, if the participant is accompanied by an adult family member)

Number of field school places available: Maximum 20

Language: English

Special requirements: The project is not recommended for individuals with solar allergies or other special illnesses that might be exacerbated during the intensive outdoor activities. The average summer temperatures in the area are 30-38 C or higher, that is why the participants should bring clothes and cosmetics suitable for hot and sunny weather. All participants are expected to have some (at least theoretical) background in archaeological field techniques and methods. Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the site and are not expected to bring any additional equipment.

Experience required: No

...

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

BHFS Lecturers, Instructors and Trainers:

    • Ass. Prof. Alexey Gotsev (PhD in Archaeology), Department of Thracian Archaeology, National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;
    • Gavrail Lazov (PhD in Archaeology), Archaeologist and Museologist; Director of Department “Archaeology” in the National Museum of History, Sofia, Bulgaria, Visiting professor at the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria;
    • Valentina Taneva, Archaeologist and  Numismatist; Director of Department “Archaeology” in the Regional Museum of History Pazardzhik;
    • Lidia Domaradzka (PhD in Classical Philology), Visiting professor at Sofia University “Kliment Ohridski” and National School for Ancient Languages and Cultures “Constantine-Cyril Philosopher”, Sofia, Bulgaria; President of the “Pistiros” Association;
    • Emilia Ivanova, Conservator of Coins and Metal Artifacts, National Military History Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria; Visiting professor at at the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria
    • Viara Petrova, Curator at the Archaeological Museum “Prof. M. Domaradski”, Septemvri, Bulgaria; PhD Student in Archaeology at Sofia University “Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria;
    • Matthew Schueller - Balkan Heritage Affiliated Archaeologist; PhD Student in Classical Archaeology at UNC Chapel Hill, USA;  
    • Snezhana Ugleshova, Conservator, Archaeological Museum “Prof. M. Domaradski”, Septemvri, Bulgaria.

     

    Lectures, workshops and field trainings:

    Archaeological Fieldwork      

    • Basic Field Methods and Practices for Excavation and Documentation (Introduction);
    • Use of Tools and Working Techniques;
    • Introduction to the Field Journal; Contextual Sheets, Log Book and Other Forms (“basket”/bag labels);
    • Three Dimensional Positioning of Finds, Features, Structures. Work with a Dump Level and Measuring Rod, Tape Measures;
    • Stratigraphy (Horizontal and Vertical) and Chronology;
    • Field Graphic Documentation: Scale Drawing of Vertical Profiles (Sections), Horizontal Situation (Plans) and Architectural Structures.
    • Field Photography;
    • Dating Artifacts, Materials, Building Techniques;
    • Excavations Preparation. Preliminary Indoor Research;
    • Field Reconnaissance Survey. Geophysical (Electrical and Magnetic) Methods in Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey;
    • Excavation Completion. Post Excavation Work and Analyses. Excavation and Reconnaissance Survey Report; 
    Only for students in both project sessions:
    • Standards In Archaeological Reports and Publications;

    Artifacts
    • From the Field to the Store;
    • Basic Principles of Finds Processing;
    • Artefact Recording and Illustration in Archaeology: Pottery shards;
    Only for students in both project sessions:
    • Artefact Recording and Illustration in Archaeology: Whole ceramic vessels;
    • Artefact Recording and Illustration in Archaeology: Small Finds;
    • Reading of Ancient Coins;
    • Conservation and Restoration of Ancient Pottery;
    • Conservation and Restoration of Metal Artifacts;

    Environmental, historical and cultural context of the site

    • Introduction to the History of Ancient Thrace (the first millenium BC);
    • Emporion Pistiros: History and Archaeology;
    • Epigraphic Monuments and Artifacts Found in Pistiros;
    • Ancient Pottery Forms (Ancient Greek and Thracian) found in Pistiros;
    • Ancient Trade in Pistiros according to the Data about Circulation of Coins and Goods.

    Only for students in both project sessions:

    • Urbanization of Ancient Thrace;
    • Thracian Burial Architecture.

    FIELD SCHOOL AGENDA:

    Dates
    Activities
    Notes
    First day

    Arrival at the local guest house before 7.00 pm

    8.00 pm - 9.30 pm - Traditional Bulgarian welcome dinner.

    A pick-up may be arranged from the  Sofia and Plovdiv airports upon request.

    Second day

    Morning: Presentations of the Balkan Heritage Foundation and Field School, Pistiros Excavation Team, New Bulgarian University, the Project and Participants. Ice-breaking.

    Afternoon: Orientation walk around the village of Varvara and the site of Pistiros. Lectures.

    		The second day of the second session will be a day-off for participants, who join both project sessions.


    Working days

    6.30 am - 7.00 am - Breakfast

    7.00 am - 7.20 am - Travel to the site

    7.30 am - 10.00 am - Fieldwork*

    10.00 am-10.15 am – Break

    10.15 am - 12.30 pm – Fieldwork*

    12.30 pm - 1.30 pm – Finds processing

    1.30 pm - 5.00 pm - Lunch and Siesta break

    5.00 pm - 6.30 pm – Lectures/Workshops/Finds processing **

    8.00 pm - 9.00 pm - Dinner

    * In rare cases of rain, the project envisions substitute activities including finds processing workshops and film projections at the guest house.

    ** Lectures and workshops in the area of Classical and Field Archaeology, focused on Ancient Greek and Thracian culture and Pistiros.

     

     

    Mid-session

    weekends:

    Saturday

    Visit to the ancient town of Plovdiv

    		 Participants, who join both project sessions will participate in an additional excursion to the Thracian royal tombs in the Rose valley in and around Kazanlak (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Starosel during the second session.

    Mid-session

    weekends:

    Sunday

     Days off

    Optional excursions to:

    • the town of Koprivshtitsa (architectural and historical reservation still keeping the traditional look of Bulgarian towns in the 18th and 19th century);
    • recently discovered Thracian sites (castles and shrines) in Sredna Gora Mountains;
    • Bessa Valley Winery.
    Last day

    Departure day. Guest house check out time: 11.00 am

    		 A drop-off may be arranged to the airports  in Sofia and Plovdiv upon request.

     

     

    Thracian royal tombs, Kazanlak and Starosel, Bulgaria

     

    Old Town Quarter, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

     

    The Roman Theater, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

    Room and Board arrangements: All participants are going to be accommodated in a guest house in the village of Varvara, in comfortable rooms (with two to three beds, bathrooms with WC and shower), equipped with air-conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. The guest house has a small swimming pool with mineral water. Three meals per day are covered by the admission fee. Requests for vegetarian food are accepted. The guest house is located very close to Varvara Mineral Baths.

    Free time: Guided visits around the city of Plovdiv will be organized for all field school participants. Participants in two project sessions will visit also Thracian royal tombs in the Rose valley in and around Kazanlak (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Starosel. Possible leisure activities during the siesta and days off: visiting the local swimming pools with mineral water, hiking in the mountains, visiting local tourist sites, wine-tasting, traveling by the narrow gauge train to Velingrad (much larger spa and wellness town) or doing shopping and sightseeing in the neighboring cities of Pazardzhik and Plovdiv.

    Look-up at the suggested travel ideas before/after the field school (not included in the project package and not covered by the admission fee)! 

    The Admission fee includes educational and fieldwork activities, full-board accommodation (hotel + 3 meals per day), tools, materials, excursions/sightseeing tours/entrance fees, Project handbook, issue of Certificate of Attendance and administrative costs.

     EARLY REGISTRATION BY JANUARY 31st, 2013:

    The Early bird admission fee for 1 project session is 1124 EUR  (app.1400 USD Check current exchange rates!).

    The Early bird admission fee for 2 project sessions is 2248 EUR (app. 2660 USD Check current exchange rates!)

    REGISTRATION AFTER JANUARY 31st, 2013

    The regular admission fee for 1 project session is 1249 EUR (app.1550 USD. Check current exchange rates!)

    The regular admission fee for 2 project sessions is 2373 EUR / app. 2900 USD (including 5% discount for participation in 2 project sessions!). Check current exchange rates!)

    Admission fee transfer options (for further information contact Admissions Office at bhfs.admissions@gmail.com):

    • Bank transfer
    •     On-line transfers  

     

    DISCOUNTS OFF THE REGULAR ADMISSION FEE:

    * 5% discount off the regular admission fee available in case of:

    1. Participation in more than 1 BH project or project session in 2013. (5% discount is valid for all projects/sessions to be attended).
    2. Membership in the Archaeological Institute of America.

    * 7% discount off the regular admission fee available in case of:

    1. Small Groups (two or three people, who participate in a BH project in 2013 (the discount is valid for each participant for all projects/sessions to be attended). 

    * 10% discount off the regular admission fee available in case of:

    1. Larger Groups (four or more people, who participate in a BH project in 2013 (the discount is valid for each participant for all projects/ sessions to be attended).
    2. Participation in any BH project/s in the past.
    * 15% discount off the regular admission fee is available for Balkan Heritage alumni, who participate in more than one BH project or project session in 2013. (15% discount is valid only for the second, third etc. project/session to be attended).
    NOTE, 5% OF EVERY ADMISSION FEE FOR THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE BALKAN HERITAGE PROTECTION FUND’S ACTIVITIES!

     APPLY ONLINE FOR THE PROJECT!