Workshop for Physicochemical Analysis of Metal Objects and Ceramics

The Project and Course

General information

Project type: Workshop on Physicochemical Analysis of Metal Objects and Ceramics

Workshop started: 2023

About the project and the workshop: Participants will be guided through the History and Construction technology of ethnographic and archaeological ceramics or metal objects and the consequent stages of their study and documentation. The necessity of physicochemical analysis in archaeology and in conservation and the application of Optical Microscopy (OM), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (pXRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), IR spectroscopy and Statistical analysis will be carried out as well. Finally, the integrated analytical approach in the study of ceramics: combining dating techniques, petrography, elemental analysis, SEM, XRD, IR spectroscopy and 3D Scanning will be presented.

Artifacts & monuments in the project's focus: authentic ceramics and metal objects

Project venue: Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN) at the National Centre for Scientific Research ˊDemokritosˋ

BHF partners in this project:

• Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN) at the National Centre for Scientific Research ˊDemokritosˋ
• New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

Academic coordinator: Dr. Adamandia Panagopoulou (Conservator of Antiquities; Post-Doc Researcher in archaeological materials at Barcelona University in Spain with 'NCSR' Demokritos in Greece; Leiden University in the Netherlands)

Field school coordinators: Dr. Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Director) and Dr. Adamandia Panagopoulou (NCSR "Demokritos")

Lecturers:

• Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou - Conservator of Antiquities; Post-Doc Researcher in archaeological materials at Barcelona University in Spain with 'NCSR' Demokritos in Greece; Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Dates of Field School Session 1: “Workshop for Physicochemical Analysis of Metal Objects”: May 24 - 30, 2026      

Dates of Field School Session 2: “Workshop for Physicochemical Analysis of Ceramics”: May 30 - June 06, 2026   

Dates of Field School Session 3: “Workshop for Physicochemical Analysis of Metal Objects and Ceramics”: May 24 - June 06, 2026

Application deadlines: until the places are filled or April 24, 2026

Minimum length of stay: one week

Minimum age: 18

Number of field school places available: maximum 12

Language: English

Experience required: None

Visa Note: Citizens of the EU, EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand do not need entry visas for Greece. Individuals from countries not specified should check in advance if they require an entry visa, and any associated costs will be the responsibility of the participants.

Special Requirements:

• Good manual dexterity and ability to carry out delicate bench work.
• The reimbursement payment does not cover insurance. It is necessary to arrange your own insurance before your trip to Greece. All EU citizens can use Greek medical services as long as they can provide evidence of their home-country health insurance with a card, certificate, etc.
• The participants should have medical insurance, including repatriation. The participants should inform the project staff about any health issues, allergies, and food preferences.
• Participants should bring clothes and toiletries suitable for warm and sunny weather (26 -36 °C), but should also prepare for rainy, windy and chilly days.
• Participants should bring a white standard lab coat needed for the conservation treatments in the labs.
• Participants are also expected to prepare for the field school by reading the materials that will be sent by e-mail before the beginning of the project.
• Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the labs and are not required to bring any additional equipment apart perhaps for favorite personal tools.   

The Workshop    

In 2026, the workshops about ‘Physicochemical Analysis of Ceramics’ and ‘Physicochemical Analysis of Metal Objects’ will be hosted by the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN) at the National Centre for Scientific Research ˊDemokritosˋ in Greece. They provide a unique opportunity for students and experts to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience on the physicochemical analysis of pottery and metal objects.  During the project weeks, participants will work with authentic ceramics and metal objects. The project includes three modules: theoretical and practical parts in the physicochemical analysis of ceramics or metal objects; training, study visits to the Acropolis Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museum and an excursion to Salamina Island.   

By the end of the workshop, the participants will:    

• get acquainted with the basic methods of documentation and physicochemical analyses of objects;   
• learn about the necessity of physicochemical analyses on archaeological objects;   
• learn about shapes, types and technology of metal objects and pottery and improve their knowledge on history and archaeology in Greece;

All participants will receive:

• Reading materials (in PDF version by e-mail);
• Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited;
• BHFS T-shirt.        

 The Team   

Academic coordinator:

• Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou - Conservator of Antiquities; Post-Doc Researcher in archaeological materials at Barcelona University in Spain with 'NCSR' Demokritos in Greece; Leiden University in the Netherlands

Field school coordinators:

• Dr. Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Director)

Lecturers:

• Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou - Conservator of Antiquities; Post-Doc Researcher in archaeological materials at Barcelona University in Spain with 'NCSR' Demokritos in Greece; Leiden University in the Netherlands.   
• Dr. Anno Hein, Researcher, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research ʽDemokritosʼ, Greece   
• Dr. Giorgos Polymeris, Researcher, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research ʽDemokritosʼ, Greece   
• Dr. Eleni Filippaki, Researcher, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research ʽDemokritosʼ, Greece   
• Dr. Evangelos Tsakalos, Post-Doc Researcher, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research ʽDemokritosʼ, Greece

The Program   

The course consists of two educational modules on the subject in focus: METAL & CERAMICS. Each module consists of approximately 33 hours of lectures, workshops and study visits to significant sites in Athens.   

PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF METAL OBJECTS     

• History of ethnographic and archaeological metal artefacts.
• Construction technology of ethnographic and archaeological metal artefacts.
• The necessity of physicochemical analysis on metals.
• Optical Microscopy on metal objects.
• Elemental Analysis of metal objects.   
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) on metal objects.
• Multianalytical approach on metal objects (XRF, ICP, Metallography, IR, UV, SEM).
• 3D scanning techniques in Archaeology.     

PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CERAMICS   

• History of ethnographic and archaeological ceramics. Construction technology of ethnographic and archaeological ceramics.
• The necessity of physicochemical analysis in archaeology and conservation.
• The application of dating techniques in archaeology.
•  The luminescence dating in archaeology.
• Optical Microscopy on ceramics.
• Elemental Analysis of Ceramics: Scope and Analytical Methods.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) on ceramics.   
• 3D scanning techniques in Archaeology.   
• The integrated analytical approach in the study of ceramics: combining petrography, elemental analysis, SEM, XRD, IR spectroscopy.

     Reading Background

• Buxeda i Garrigos, J., Cau Ontiveros, M.A., Kilikoglou, V., 2003b. Chemical variability in clays and pottery from a traditional cooking pot production village: testing assumptions in Pereruela. Archaeometry, 45, pp. 1–17.
• Derrick, M. R., Stulik, D. and Landry, J. M., 1999. Infrared Spectroscopy in Conservation Science, Scientific Tools for Conservation. Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute.
• Egerton, R. F., 2005. Physical Principles of Electron Microscopy: An Introduction to TEM, SEM, and AEM. New York: Publications Springer.
• Ferretti, M., 2000. X-ray fluorescence applications for the study and conservation of cultural heritage. In: D. C. Creagh and D. A. Bradley, eds. Radiation in Art and Archaeometry. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 285-296.
• Freestone, I. C. and Middlestone, A. P., 1987. ‘Mineralogical applications of the analytical SEM in archaeology’. Mineralogical Magazine, 51, pp. 21-31.
• Guggenheim, S. and Martin, R. T., 1995. ‘Definition of Clay and Clay Mineral: Joint Report of the Aipea and CMS Nomenclature Committees’. Clays and Clay Minerals, 44(5), pp. 710-712.
• Hein, A., 2018. Elemental Analysis of Pottery. In: S. L. L. Varela., ed. The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Sciences. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 1-5.
• Hein, A., 2021. Revisiting the groups – Exploring the feasibility of portable EDXRF in provenance studies of transport amphorae in the Eastern Aegean. In: M. Hegewisch, M. Dazkiewicz and G. Schneider, eds. Using pXRF for the Analysis of Ancient Pottery. Berlin: Topoi-Berlin Studies of the Ancient World, pp. 43-61.
• Hein, A. and Kilikoglou, V., 2017. ‘Compositional variability of archaeological ceramics in the eastern Mediterranean and implications for the design of provenance studies’. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 16, pp. 564-572.
• Hein, A. and Kilikoglou, V., 2020. ‘Ceramic raw materials: how to recognize them and locate the supply basins: chemistry’. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 12, p. 180.
• Hein, A., Dobosz, A., Day, P. M. and Kilikoglou, V., 2021. ‘Portable ED-XRF as a tool for optimizing sampling strategy: The case study of a Hellenistic amphora assemblage from Paphos (Cyprus)’. Journal of Archaeological Science, p. 133.
• Henderson, J., 2020. The Science and Archaeology of Materials. An Investigation of Inorganic Materials. Routledge.
• Janssens, K., 2004. X-ray based methods of analysis. In: K. Jannsens and R. Van Grieken, eds. Non-Destructive Microanalysis of Cultural Heritage Materials. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 129-226.
• Janssens, K., Vittiglio, G., Deraedt, I., Aerts, A., Vekemans, B., Vincze, L., Wei, F., Deryck, I., Schalm, O., Adams, F., Rindby, A., Knochel, A., Simionovici, A. and Snigirev, A., 2000. ‘Use of microscopic XRF for non-destructive analysis in art and archaeometry’. X-ray Spectrometry, 29, pp. 73-91.
• Jose-Yacaman, M. and Ascencio, J. A., 2000. Electron microscopy and its application to the study of archaeological materials and art preservation. In: E. Ciliberto and G. Spoto, eds. Modern Analytical Methods in Art and Archaeology. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc., pp. 405-444.
• Karydas, A. G., 2007. ‘Application of a portable XRF Spectrometer for the non- Invasive analysis of museum metal artifacts’. Annali di Chimica, p. 97.   

• Kilikoglou, V., Maniatis, Y., Grimanis, A. P., 1988. The effect of purification and firing of clays on trace element provenance studies. Archaeometry, 30, 1, pp. 37-46.

• Kousouni C.K., Ganetsos Th., Panagopoulou A., 2021, Non – Destructive XRF Analysis of Metallic Objects from Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, Scientific Culture, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 69-79, Open access, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4465536.
• Kousouni C.K., Panagopoulou A., 2018, Non-destructive physicochemical analysis and conservation of metallic book covers of ecclesiastical books from Saint Mavra and Timotheos Church in Zakynthos (Greece), International Journal of Scientific Culture, Volume:4, No 2, pp. 85-95, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1214571.
• Maniatis, Y., 1976. ‘Examination of Ancient Pottery Using the Scanning Electron Microscope’. PhD thesis. Department of Physics, University of Essex.
• Panagopoulou A., Karanasios K., Xanthopoulou G., 2016, Ancient Egyptian Blue (CaCuSi4O10) Pigment by Modern Solution Combustion Synthesis Method, Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal, Volume: 18, No 1, pp.31-37, ISSN: 1562-3920.
• Panagopoulou, A. P., Vroom, J., Hein, A. and Kilikoglou, V., 2021. Production Technology of Glazed Pottery in Chalcis, Euboea, during the Middle Byzantine Period, MDPI, Heritage 4(4), 4473-4494; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4040247.

  Travel & Accommodation

Athens hosts an International Airport, three ferry ports, two intercity bus stations, a metro and train networks. Depending on your starting point, the plane and the ferry are the most practical and preferred options for traveling.       

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Greece. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa. The Balkan Heritage Foundation can provide an official invitation letter to facilitate the visa application process at the relevant embassy. For further details, please visit our visa information page. Greece is a full member of the Schengen Area and part of this borderless zone, allowing people to travel between Greece and other Schengen countries without passport checks at land borders. Holders of a valid Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country can enter Greece using that visa.

                  Accommodation & Meals                      

The reimbursement fee does not include accommodation and food, except for the coffee breaks during the workshop. Athens is a tourist city, so you can easily find different kinds of accommodation depending on your budget. Prices range from 90€/week in one of the many hostels to 250€-300€ for a week in a self-catered apartment. High-end hotels are also, of course, available if you have a higher budget. The city is well-connected with a relatively cheap metro and bus system. The prices of the inexpensive and mid-range restaurants vary between 15 - 25 Euros for a three-course menu.

Free Time & Trips

Athens is one of the oldest European capitals and as such, it has a lot to offer. Numerous historic sites and museums in the city are worth visiting: the Acropolis with the Parthenon, the ancient agora of Athens, the theatre of Dionysus, the Stoa of Attalos, the Acropolis museum, the National Archaeological museum and many others. The picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki Square and Anatofika offer cozy restaurants, bars and shops. 

  Technicalities & Practicalities 

Insurance: The reimbursement payment does not cover insurance. It is mandatory to arrange your own health insurance before your trip to Greece. The insurance must cover, as a minimum, the following risks: medical treatment in case of accident or disease, as well as costs related to evacuation and repatriation. All EU citizens can use Greek medical services as long as they can provide evidence of their home-country health insurance with a card/certificate, etc.

Weather: South-European (Transitional Mediterranean to Continental) climate with hot summers (30-40° C) dominates the region. Rainy and chillier days in this season are not uncommon.

What to bring?

• A pair of comfortable shoes for walking/hiking;
• Wide-brim hat;
• Small backpack (for your water bottle, snacks, camera, etc.)
• Lab coat
• Medication - only prescription medicines you may need. It is not necessary to bring non-prescription medicine from your country since you can buy all basic non-prescription drugs in Greece.
• A converter to an EU-type electricity wall plug if needed.
• A good attitude for work, fun, study and discoveries.   
• E-SIM or Data Roaming: We strongly recommend that participants purchase an e-SIM card with mobile internet tailored to their personal needs while in Greece, unless they have coverage through their data roaming plan. While the hotels provide internet access, we cannot guarantee its quality or reliability, which may include interruptions, excessive network load, or potential server issues.

NB! All the tools and materials needed for the workshops will be provided by the organizers!  

The Cost

All field schools are organized as non-profit initiatives by the Balkan Heritage Foundation. The expenses related to participation in the field school, including costs incurred by participants, are financed through reimbursement payments made by the participants themselves.

BHFS project reimbursement payment includes coverage for: educational and fieldwork activities, tools and materials, access to project readings, issuance of a Certificate of Attendance, administrative costs, and travel related to fieldwork and excursions included in the program, along with relevant entrance fees.

BHFS project reimbursement payment does not cover: travel expenses to and from Athens, nor any costs associated with activities not included in the field school program. Additionally, it does not include medical products and services or any expenses related to medical quarantine (such as food delivery or accommodation).

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

Early Bird Cost - until March 31, 2026:   

Early Bird cost for the one-week project session is 1199 EUR/ approx. 1400 USD   

Early Bird cost for the two-week project session is 1799 EUR/ approx. 2100 USD

Regular Cost - after March 31, 2026:         

Early Bird cost for the one-week project session is 1399 EUR/ approx. 1600 USD   

The Regular cost for the twо-week project session is 1999 EUR/ approx. 2400 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 the 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 2026 (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 2026). 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 2026 (the discount is valid for each participant).
2. BHFS alumni who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2026. (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
3. BHFS alumni who attended a full project in the past and returned 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 contact us or visit our recommended links.

New Bulgarian University grants 3/6 ECTS credits to students for attending the one/two week sessions. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee of 200/400 EUR for EU students and 300/600 EUR for Non-EU students.

For 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.