Birth of Europe - Excavations at the Neolithic site of Amzabegovo

The Project and the Course

General Information

Project Type: Field School & Archaeological Excavation. This program is suitable for both beginners and advanced students, as well as anyone interested in archaeology, prehistory, and early farming communities in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe during the Neolithic period.

Site: Amzabegovo Neolithic settlement, located near Sveti Nikole and Shtip, Republic of North Macedonia.

Excavation Start Date: 2019   

Field School Start Date: 2025   

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic

Major Field School Topics/Activities: The program focuses on the archaeology of the Balkan Neolithic (6400 – 4800 BCE). Participants will learn archaeological field techniques and methods for excavation and documentation, processing of finds and samples, and surveying. Activities include lectures on topics related to the Balkan Neolithic, prehistoric Europe, data gathering and processing, interpretation and presentation of results, as well as workshops on photography, archaeological drawing, GIS, and sediment flotation. Excursions to significant heritage sites in North Macedonia are also included.

BHF Partners in This Project: Municipality Institution People’s Museum, Sveti Nikole (North Macedonia), Austrian Archaeological Institute, and New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria).

Dig director: Dr.Darko Stojanovski, researcher at the Austrian Archaeological Institute focused on the neolithization process of the Balkans; Assistant Professor at the Goce Delchev University in Shtip; Director of several field research projects, including the long-term Amzabegovo project and the “Birth of Europe” field school program; Director of the “Neanderthal Crossroads” field school project of the Balkan Heritage portfolio between 2022 and 2023.  

Research and Field School Team: Aleksandar Danev, Valentina Todorovska, Dr. Andrej Machkovski, Saskia Pail, Max Gruber, Dejan Georgiev, Ivan Sarashov, Kristijan Blazevski, Sasho Kiroski, Igor Gjorgioski.   

Field School Coordinators: Dr. Darko Stojanovski and Aleksandar Danev

Field School Sessions Available: One 3-week session: July 5 - July 26, 2025   

Application Deadline: Until all places are filled or May 1, 2025   

Minimum Length of Stay: Three weeks   

Minimum Age: 18 (16 if accompanied by an adult family member)   

Number of field school places available: Maximum 15

Project language: English

Academic credits available: 9 ECTS

Experience Required: None

Special requirements: Participation in the project is not recommended for individuals with solar allergies or other health conditions that may be exacerbated during intensive outdoor activities. Average summer temperatures in the area range from 30 to 40°C (86 to 104°F). Participants should bring clothing and toiletries suitable for hot and sunny weather, while also preparing for potential rainy, windy, and cooler days. Additionally, participants are expected to prepare for the dig by reading the materials provided by the BHFS before the project begins. Tools and equipment will be available on-site, so participants are not required to bring any additional equipment.

Archaeological Context & Period

During the 7th millennium BCE, the Balkan Peninsula served as a gateway for the spread of farming, animal husbandry, and Neolithisation from Anatolia and the Near East to Europe. The central Balkan river valleys, including the Vardar and Bregalnica River Valleys, were among the most significant migration routes during this period. Amzabegovo, situated between these two river basins, encapsulates nearly two millennia of Neolithic development in the Balkan region. It dates from 6300 to 4800 BCE, encompassing the era from the arrival of the first farmer settlers to the advent of metallurgy. 

The Site and the Excavation Project

Amzabegovo is one of the most significant Neolithic sites in the Balkans, centrally located along the dispersal route from the Aegean to the Danube. It is not only a critical archaeological site but also a key to understanding the broader patterns of human development and cultural evolution during the Neolithic era in Europe. The site features a sequence of over twenty construction phases, including residential structures, pits, economic buildings, and burial sites. In addition to Neolithic remains, the site also contains the remnants of a Roman villa.

The site first attracted scientific interest in the late 1960s when it was excavated by a joint team from UCLA (USA) and the University of Belgrade (then part of former Yugoslavia). It was established that the site is over 10 ha in size, and represents the full duration and development of the Neolithic in the Balkan Peninsula. The emblematic white-painted pottery, widely represented here, was seen as a cultural mark of the Neolithic population of the Central Balkans, but at the same time some Near Eastern elements were noted (especially in the architecture and the use of marble for personal ornaments production). This research positioned Amzabegovo as a reference point for Balkan Neolithic studies. After a 50-year hiatus, field research was reinitiated in 2019 through a collaboration between Dr. Darko Stojanovski, serving as Director, and the Municipal Museum of Sveti Nikole, the host institution for the project. Since 2022, partnerships have expanded to include the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, as well as several other European specialists. The ongoing project, titled "The First Farming and Urban Centers of Macedonia: Excavations at the Amzabegovo Neolithic Settlement," represents an international multidisciplinary scientific collaboration. Starting in 2025, the Balkan Heritage Foundation will join the team, and the project will introduce the "Birth of Europe" Field School Program.

The research questions stemming from the site, with a focus on the Neolithic period, encompass a range of topics such as settlement organization, architecture, demography, economy, diet, human-animal interactions, household organization, and material culture. A key question is understanding the regional dynamics and the role of Amzabegovo as the largest settlement in the cluster of sites within the Bregalnica River basin, as well as its communication and trade routes.

The Field School

This field school is an amazing opportunity to:

• dig at a Neolithic site in North Macedonia
• learn about the early farming societies of Europe and their technology, and prehistoric archaeology approaches and methods for studying the material remains
• practice all basic excavation and recording techniques on the field
• develop skills in finds retrieval and processing with a focus on Neolithic material culture
• expand knowledge on European Neolithic and the use of interdisciplinary approaches (geology, biology, physics)
• visit significant archaeological and historic sites: Roman town of Stobi, Byzantine town of Bargala, picturesque historic town of Kratovo, the medieval monastery of Lesnovo and the historic center of the capital city of Skopje.

The field school excavations will commence in 2025, in conjunction with the ongoing excavations at the Amzabegovo site. This three-week field school offers a valuable opportunity for both beginners, who will be introduced to the methodologies and theoretical knowledge necessary for participating in archaeological excavations of prehistoric sites, and for students with a deeper interest in the Neolithic studies of Europe and the Near East.

Students who are required to prepare field reports and presentations for their universities can receive additional instruction and assistance.

All participants will receive:

• Access to project readings
• Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited
• T-shirt

The Program

The three-week course provides a minimum of 135 hours of fieldwork, workshops/lab work, lectures/instructions and guided tours as follows:

Lectures/Instructions:

• The basics of archaeology (fieldwork methods for Neolithic sites, field and post-field documentation, data gathering and manipulation, interpretation and presentation of results);
• Prehistory of Europe (cultural and anthropological aspects from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic, with focus on the Balkan Peninsula);
• The Neolithic of the Balkan Peninsula, with focus on the Vardar - Bregalnica region.

Field work - on-site excavations including:   

• Use of Excavation Tools   
• Practice of Basic Working Techniques   
• GIS   
• Identification of Archaeological Contexts   
• Creation of Field Documentation - Field Journal, Context Sheets and Labels, Ground Plans and Cross-sections, Photographs, etc.   
• Identification and Sorting of Archaeological Finds   
• Flotation of excavated sediment and retrieval of micro-remains   
• Geo-coring

Workshops:

• Total station and basic GIS
• Flotation of sediment and fraction retrieval and sorting
• Artefact and field drawing workshops
• Archaeological photography workshop
• Finds processing and documentation

Guided tours in North Macedonia:

• Historic areas of Shtip
• Roman town of Stobi - arguably the largest open air archaeological park in North Macedonia
• Skopje - the capital city of the R. N. Macedonia and its historic center
• Early Byzantine town Bargala
• Medieval monastery of Lesnovo
• The picturesque historic town of Kratovo

Reading Background   

REQUIRED READINGS    

Gimbutas, M., Anza, ca. 6500-5000 B. C.: A Cultural Yardstick for the Study of Neolithic Southeast Europe, Journal of Field Archaeology, Vol. 1, No. 1/2 (1974), pp. 26-66

Naumov, G., Fidanoski, Lj., Tolevski, I., Ivkovska, A. (eds.), The Neolithic Communities in the Republic of Macedonia, Skopje (Dante), 2009

Travel, Accommodation & Practicalities   

Travel

Project venue: Accommodation will be provided in Shtip, North Macedonia, where all participants are required to arrive. The excavation site at Amzabegovo is approximately 20 km from Shtip. Free transportation between Shtip and Amzabegovo will be available for all participants during workdays. All lectures, workshops, and activities not held at the archaeological dig site will take place at either the Museum in Sveti Nikole or the premises of "Goce Delchev" University in Shtip.

The nearest air terminals: Skopje is the nearest airport (66 km) in North Macedonia, alternative options being Thessaloniki airport, Greece (194 km) and Sofia airport, Bulgaria (214 km).

How to get there?: There are regular buses operating between Skopje and Shtip, with ticket prices ranging from approximately 5 to 7 EUR. A taxi from Skopje Airport to Shtip costs around 60 EUR. The Balkan Heritage Field School (BHFS) can assist in coordinating among participants who wish to share a taxi.

Visa requirements: Citizens of EU, EEA, USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit the Republic of North Macedonia for up to 90 days. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa. The Balkan Heritage Foundation can send an official invitation letter that should be used at the relevant embassy to secure a visa to the program. For further details please visit our Visa information page.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Participants will stay at Danilov Guest House, located in the center of Shtip. The guest house offers double rooms (twin beds) with a toilet and shower on each floor. Guests have free access to Wi-Fi, a washing machine, and basic leisure and sports/training equipment. Bed linens and towels are provided. Single room accommodation is available upon request for an additional charge. The guest house is conveniently situated within walking distance of local amenities.

Meals: Three meals per day, featuring organic Macedonian homemade food, are included in the reimbursement fee. During workdays, all meals are typically served at a nearby restaurant. Meals on weekends are also held at the same restaurant, except for lunches provided during excursions. The field school can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with lactose intolerance; however, it cannot cater to kosher or gluten-free diets.

Participants are responsible for covering any additional days of stay, single room accommodation, as well as extra meals, beverages, services, and products.

Free Time & Trips

Free Time: BHFS participants can make the most of their stay in Shtip by exploring the beautiful hilly landscape surrounding the city, including hikes, walking, running, and training tracks along the banks of the Bregalnica River and in the Isar Hill area. The area features three 14th-century churches and the ruins of an old castle. Additionally, the recently renovated local swimming pool is available for cooling off during free days.   

Extra Trips and Surroundings: In the wider area of Eastern North Macedonia, participants can visit the intriguing geo-formation known as the Stone Dolls, located near Kuklitsa village (60 km from Shtip), as well as the Kokino site (100 km from Shtip), a geological formation and Bronze Age site recognized as one of the oldest megalithic observatories in the Balkans. For nature lovers, Berovo (85 km from Shtip), an idyllic mountain town with a picturesque lake, makes for a great day trip. A must-see in the Central Balkans is the town of Ohrid and its lake (230 km from Shtip), situated in the southwestern reaches of North Macedonia. This UNESCO-protected natural and cultural monument is renowned for its stunning beauty, featuring crystal-clear waters and magnificent mountain peaks, coupled with archaeological sites that testify to continuous cultural development over the past 8,000 years.

Technicalities & Practicalities  

Insurance: The reimbursement payment does not include insurance. It is mandatory to arrange your own health insurance prior to your trip to North Macedonia. The insurance must cover at a minimum the following risks: medical treatment in the event of an accident or illness, as well as costs related to evacuation and repatriation.

Weather: The region is dominated by a southern European (Transitional Mediterranean to Continental) climate, resulting in hot summers with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40°C (86 to 104°F). While rainy and chilly days during this season are rare, they are not entirely excluded.

What to Bring?

• A pair of sturdy working shoes (sneakers or running shoes) and a comfortable pair of shoes for walking or hiking.
• Clothing suitable for outdoor work: a sun hat and lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants (to protect against the sun and insects), including a light raincoat (consider weather conditions—hot and sunny, but rain may occur).
• A wide-brimmed hat.
• A small backpack for your water bottle, snacks, camera, etc.
• Prescription medications you may need, as basic non-prescription drugs are readily available in North Macedonia.
• A converter for European-type electrical wall plugs, if needed.
• A positive attitude for work, fun, study, and discovery!

Excavation & documentation tools and materials, as well as working gloves are available at the site!

The Cost  

All field schools are conducted as non-profit projects by the Balkan Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria. Their costs, including students' costs related to participation in the field school are covered by the reimbursement payments made by field school students.   

BHFS project reimbursement payment covers: Educational and fieldwork activities, hotel + breakfast (in the working days), tools, materials, project handbook or readings, issue of Certificate of Attendance, administrative costs, travel related to the fieldwork and the excursions included in the field school program plus relevant entrance fees.

BHFS project reimbursement payment does not include: travel costs to and from the project venue or related to activities not included in the field school program; medical products and services and any expenses related to medical quarantine (food delivery, accommodation, etc.).

The costs in USD are approximate. Please check current exchange rates!

Early Bird Cost - until January 31, 2025:

Early Bird Cost for three-week project session is 2899 EUR/ approx. 3080 USD

Regular Cost - after January 31, 2025:      

The Regular cost for three-week project session is 3099 EUR / approx. 3300 USD   

Reimbursement Transfer Options:

- Bank transfer
- Online transfers via the Balkan Heritage virtual POS Terminal. VISA, MASTERCARD & MAESTRO cards are accepted.      
-  Wise money transfer

For further information contact Admissions Office at: [email protected]!

 Discounts off the regular cost:

* 5% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in more than one BHFS project in 2025 (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
2. Membership in the Archaeological Institute of America.

* 10% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in any BHFS project/s in the past.

* 12% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people who participate together in one BHFS project in 2025). The discount is valid for each participant.

* 15% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost is available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people, who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2025 (the discount is valid for each participant).
2. BHFS alumni, who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2025. (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
3. BHFS alumni who attended a full project in the past and return to the same project.

NOTE, 5% OF EVERY COST FOR THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE BALKAN HERITAGE PROTECTION FUND'S ACTIVITIES!

For more information about scholarships, low-cost flights, hotels, etc. please feel free to contact us or look at our recommended links.

Academic credits

To obtain US credis and certification apply and enroll directly through the Center for Field Sciences (CFS), USA.

New Bulgarian University grants 9 ECTS credits to students for attending this field school. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee of 600 EUR for EU students and 900 EUR for Non-EU students.

Details: Regulations for obtaining Transcripts of Records.

Participants in the field school who do not need academic credit units are not expected to pay for them.