Summer Round-Up: Exploring Heritage Across the Balkans

This summer, the Balkan Heritage Field School brought together learners and specialists in archaeology, conservation, and heritage documentation across Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. Here’s what we explored:         

Underwater Archaeology in the Black Sea (Bulgaria) – Diving into maritime heritage at ancient Mesambria.      

“Fresco-Hunting” Photo Research Expedition – Documenting medieval Balkan church interiors.           

Workshops for Conservation (Greece & Bulgaria):    

Metal (Zakynthos) – Hands-on techniques and scientific analysis (XRF, XRD) for preserving metal artifacts.    

Paper – Two-week training on preserving archival and paper materials.    

Textiles – Conservation techniques for historical fabrics and textiles    

Ancient Greek Pottery - Practical training in documenting and preserving ceramic finds.    

Roman Glass - Training in the conservation of historical glass artifacts.   

Archaeology of Apollonia Pontica (Bulgaria) – Excavations at the ancient Greek city.   

Stobi Excavations (North Macedonia) – Exploring Roman and Late Roman urban life.   

Bones of the Past: Zooarchaeology (Bulgaria) – Studying animal remains in archaeology.   

North Macedonia Workshops:

Roman Pottery – Conservation of authentic Roman–Late Roman vessels from Stobi.    

Photogrammetry & 3D Archaeological Recording – Techniques for documenting heritage in 3D.

Physicochemical Analysis of Metal & Ceramics (Greece) – Applying science to heritage materials.   

Excavations:

Tell Yunatsite (Bulgaria) – Early European civilizations    

Amzabegovo (North Macedonia) – Neolithic farming communities    

Pistiros (Bulgaria) – Ancient Greek–Thracian emporion   

A Collective Achievement   

We are deeply grateful to all participants, instructors, partner institutions, and local communities for making this season a success. Together, we uncovered stories of the past and strengthened our shared commitment to cultural heritage.

Stay tuned: the 2026 season dates will be announced in October!