Postgraduate Program in Mediterranean Archaeology: From Prehistory to Late Antiquity

The Department of History and Archaeology and the Archaeological Research
Unit of the University of Cyprus encourage applications for the postgraduate
program in Mediterranean Archaeology: From Prehistory to Late Antiquity.

The postgraduate program in Mediterranean Archaeology, at the University of
Cyprus, is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of graduate students
coming from different research fields, such as Archaeology, and the related
fields of History of Art, Architecture, Anthropology, and other subjects
that have applications in Archaeology, such as Geology, Physics and
Chemistry.

A variety of cross-disciplinary courses related to Mediterranean Prehistoric
and Protohistoric Archaeology, Archaeology of the Geometric, Archaic and
Classical Periods, Hellenistic and Roman Archaeology, Ancient History and
Epigraphy, Environmental Archaeology and Archaeometry, Underwater
Archaeology, and Pre-Industrial Technology, are offered in a
highly-academic, well-equipped as well as friendly environment. They are
currently taught in Greek but if there is an interest the courses can also
be offered in English for international students. The MA and PhD degrees in
Mediterranean Archaeology are available either full-time or part-time and
commence in early September. Masters and Doctoral theses may be submitted
for a PhD award in a European language other than Greek in agreement with
the appointed supervisor.

The closing date for applications is the 24th of May 2013.

For more information about the postgraduate program in Mediterranean
Archaeology and admission requirements please visit the following link:

http://www.ucy.ac.cy/goto/hiarch/en-US/Postgraduate.aspx 

or contact the course coordinator Assistant Professor Giorgos Papasavvas
email: georgep@ucy.ac.cy

——————————————————–

Vasiliki (Lina) Kassianidou
Associate Professor – NARNIA Project Coordinator
Archaeological Research Unit, Department of History and Archaeology
UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS
P.O. Box 20537. CY-1678 Nicosia, CYPRUS
tel. +357 22 893564, FAX. +357 22 22895489

The first issue of the Journal of Ancient History has been compiled and is now on-line with free access from De Gruyter. These articles appear in the format that they will take in the subsequent print version of this volume (so fully citable now). This free access will be available for the next three months. Another issue will appear in November of this year.

The JAH continues to invite submissions of articles, and is committed to a speedy process from submission to publication while maintaining high standards of peer-review. Please submit any articles directly to me at this email address: gfarney@rutgers.edu For more on our submission criteria and process, see: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jah

- Gary Farney

Aims and Scope
The Journal of Ancient History aims to provide a forum for scholarship
covering all aspects of ancient history and culture from the Archaic
Period to Late Antiquity (roughly the ninth century BCE through the sixth century CE). The journal publishes peer-reviewed articles concerning the history and historiography (ancient and modern) of the ancient Mediterranean world and of neighboring civilizations in their relations with it. The journal is open to submissions in disciplines closely related to ancient history, including epigraphy, numismatics, religion and law.

Please see the Journal Website for submission information.

American Journal of Archaeology Open Access (April 2013)

Below is a list of freely available content published in tandem with the January 2013 issue of the AJA.

• Supplemental content and 3D animation accompanying “Honorific Practices and the Politics of Space on Hellenistic Delos: Portrait Statue Monuments Along the Dromos,” by Sheila Dillon and Elizabeth Palmer Baltes: http://www.ajaonline.org/article/1504
• Awards Presented at the 114th Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America: http://www.ajaonline.org/aia-awards/1512

- Book Reviews (http://www.ajaonline.org/bookreviews)

- Books Received (http://ajaonline.org/books-received/1533)

You can also read our Editor’s Picks at http://www.ajaonline.org/ed-picks.

Call For Papers:

International Congress on Lusitanian Amphorae – Production and Diffusion

Tróia, Portugal – 10-13th October 2013

Even though a number of Lusitanian amphora production sites are fairly well known today, and sites like Tróia had a large production capacity for fish products exported in those amphorae, the diffusion of these containers is not well documented.

A review by Portuguese archaeologists of the principal Lusitanian amphorae products, as well as a workshop featuring samples of these amphorae, will contribute to better understanding of these containers. Invited scholars from Italy, Belgium, France, and Spain will present their findings on the long-distance Lusitanian amphorae trade. Presentations from other investigators who wish to contribute to an improved understanding of the role of Lusitanian amphorae in the Roman economy are necessary and welcome.

Details on the congress program, application, and registration appear in the First Circular available here, or downloadable at: www.uc.pt/uid/cea. Thank you.

Inês Vaz Pinto

Roman Kitchen at Vindonissa.
© Legionary Trail, Museum Aargau

Guest Blog by Stephan Wyss

Introduction

Ten years after discovery of the so-called “officer’s kitchen” at Vindonissa, evaluation of this structure, unique in the provinces north of the Alps, has begun. A group of Swiss scientists is carrying out an interdisciplinary investigation of the structures and finds, as well as zooarchaeological, archaeobotanical, and sedimentological analyses.

Plan of Vindonissa, between the Aare and Reuss rivers. Peristyle Building marked by the red circle. © Kantonsarchäologie Aargau

Settlement History

Vindonissa is the only Roman legionary camp situated in modern-day Switzerland.

The site commands a topographically and logistically advantageous position on the Swiss Plateau, a geographical region bordered by the high Alps and Italian provinces to the south and the wide arc of the Jura mountains to the north.

Around AD 14, the first legionary camp was erected by the 13th Legion (legio XIII gemina) on a spur of land that had been occupied and fortified since the Late Celtic period. During the course of the first century AD, Vindonissa served as the base for the 21st (legio XXI rapax) and the 11th (legio XI claudia pia fidelis) legions. The periods of occupation for the different troops can be identified in the archaeological record.

Most recently, the civil settlements (canabae legionis/vicus), located outside the camp gates, have been also studied intensively.

The 11th legion left the camp ca. AD 101. Finds and structures from the subsequent period, the so-called “Nachlagerzeit,” show that the site continued to be occupied.

To date, the Late Antique Castrum Vindonissense has been subject to little research. It is a complex in the classical style of an “enceinte reduite,” which was erected in the early fourth century AD and remained standing until the early fifth century — until the military general (magister utriusque militiae) Flavius Stilicho finally withdrew troops from the regions north of the Alps.

Discovery and Excavation

In the year 2002, triggered by a building project, an area of 900m²  – located right next to the camp’s principia – was subject to an archaeological investigation.

With regard to the camp’s architecture in the first century AD, the area in question was terra incognita. Conversely, the excavation site’s position within the Late Celtic topography of Vindonissa was well documented, as it lay in line with the pre-Roman fortification, the so-called “Keltengraben” (a rampart-ditch system with a so-called “Pfostenschlitzmauer” — “post-slot wall”).

The excellent perseveration of the first-century archaeological structures can be directly connected to the “Keltengraben”. In the the Early Imperial Period, the Romans back-filled the 20 m.-wide, 7 m.-deep ditch, and that fill was strongly interspersed with organic remains. Over the course of the Roman period and beyond, these organic remains began to dissolve. Buildings erected over the ditch thus sank down locally, were consequently protected from later destruction, and their walls were preserved up to the level of rising masonry.

First-century AD Peristyle House and Culina

Plan of Peristyle Building and Kitchen (red circle). © Kantonsarchäologie Aargau

The extant building was erected over a predecessor that dated to the middle of the first century AD. Its layout is trapezoidal; it borders the east side of the principia, separated only by a narrow alleyway. The southern façade faces the via principalis, one of the two main camp streets. Behind a narrow porticus is located a series of rooms, mostly equipped with small fireplaces. These rooms can be interpreted as tabernae. About half of the house’s floor plan was excavated. The room and measurement plan is well known and can be compared to the tribune’s quarters, excavated at an earlier date and belonging to the same scamnum (scamnum tribunorum, the ‘officer’s quarter’). The building’s identification as a peristyle house by the then-excavator Thomas Pauli-Gabi is definitely correct and well-founded.

Even if it cannot be definitely proved, there is the possibility that this building was the seat of the first centurion of the camp (primus pilus). What we can say is that here — directly next to the administrative and religious centre of the camp — was the residence of a high-ranking officer.

Officer’s Kitchen during the 2002-04 excavation. © Kantonsarchäologie Aargau

The kitchen in the south-east corner of the peristyle house is of special interest:

“…various installations and a blackened floor coming from charcoal, ash and carbonised food remains were all excellently preserved. The room, around 26 m.² in size, was accessed by a 1 m. wide entry, which in turn was joined to a kind of vestibule. To the right of the door, a double-chambered installation of unknown function was situated. A cist made of roof tiles, set into the floor, was located in the opposite corner, in which a mortar of light fabric had been left (see below).

Detail of mortar and cist from the 2002-04 excavations. © Kantonsarchäologie Aargau

Next to the cist stood a platform measuring 1 x 1.8 m., constructed of plastered tegulae and imbrices. Numerous large fragments of on-the-spot broken kitchen vessels point to a storage surface. In the western half of the room, the most important installation was located, a stove with an L-shaped layout. The cooking surface consisted of tegulae lying facedown and covering an area of 9.8 m.² Traces of the hearth fire could be observed on the cracked tiles…

A large amount of kitchen utensils was found in the form of kitchen ceramics. However, further metal apparatus such as grill racks, bronze vessels or skewers were missing completely. The most plausible explanation for this biased finds ensemble would be that the inhabitants took their valuable metal equipment with them when they left in AD 101.” (Thomas Pauli-Gabi 2005, 31-32).

Future Prospects

To date, the large kitchen in the peristyle house located in the centre of the legionary camp of Vindonissa is unique within the northwest provinces. Furthermore, it is considerably larger than those known from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The scientific investigation that has now started will hopefully yield new insights into the construction history, function, and equipment of the culina. The soil samples, which, thanks to careful excavation and documentation can be stratified, will be analysed in complementary investigations. Detailed information about food products used here in the second half of the first century AD will be gleaned from the zoological and botanical remains in the occupation strata.

Reconstruction of kitchen life in the Peristyle Building at Vindonissa; © Legionary Trail, Museum Aargau

Publication of the research results has been scheduled in the “Gesellschaft Pro Vindonissa” series for 2016. The current investigation will not solely focus on the kitchen, but also on the pre-Roman fortification (the “Keltengraben”), and on the period after the legions departed from the second century AD onwards.

The so-called officer’s kitchen is part of the “Legionary Trail Vindonissa” archaeological park (“Legionärspfad”).

The exhibition is accessibly displayed, modern, and worth a visit. See www.legionaerspfad.ch for more details.

Stephan Wyss, Kantonsarchäologie Aargau

(Translation: Andrew Lawrence, University of Berne)

Literature

• Thomas Pauli-Gabi, “Ausgrabungen im Gebiet der spätlatènezeitlichen Befestigung von Vindonissa. Ein Vorbericht zu den Ergebnissen der Grabung Römerblick 2002-2004 (V.002.11),” Jahresbericht der Gesellschaft Pro Vindonissa (Jber. GPV) 2004 (2005), 13-39.
•  Thomas Pauli-Gabi, “Vindonissa – Ein Offiziershaus mit grosser Küche, Ausgrabung Römerblick 2002-2004,” in: Zolt Visy (Hrsg.), Proceedings of the XIXth International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies, Pécs, Hungary, September 2003 (Pécs 2005) 593-606.

Grado shipwreck: 2nd c. AD

The Department of Classics at the University of Reading is pleased to announce the launch of a new MA programme on ancient maritime trade and navigation delivered in collaboration with the Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici of Università Ca’ Foscari , Venice.

This unique programme focuses on the history of maritime trade, ship building, and navigation techniques in the Ancient and Medieval Mediterranean, and the archaeology of port infrastructure, ships, and trade goods. Students will spend Autumn and Spring terms at Reading and then 2 months in Venice, taking an intensive course comprising seminars and site visits.

The duration of the programme is 12 months (October to September) and applications are now open for start in autumn 2013. Application deadlines are 1 July for EU students, and 1 June for International students. A limited number of studentships to contribute towards the payment of tuition fees are available for the most academically competitive applicants.

For additional information, please visit: www.reading.ac.uk/classics/pg-taught/class-pgtcourses.aspx and/or email the programme director, Prof. Marzano: a.marzano@reading.ac.uk.

Prof. Annalisa Marzano, FHEA, FRHistS
Professor of Ancient History
Deputy Head of Department

University of Reading
Department of Classics
School of Humanities
Whiteknights, PO Box 218
Reading RG6 6AA
United Kingdom

Map of Binchester

BINCHESTER ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT

The Binchester Archaeological Project is accepting applications for its field school (through Durham University UK and Vinovium.org) until 1 May.  Cost is $4500 for four weeks.  Accommodation at Durham University, all meals, field trips, internal travel, lectures, lab work, and archaeological training are included in the fee.  Transport to Durham is not included.

Please note that we also offer a new, optional training program in pottery and ceramics that will launch this season.  Interested students can elect to focus on pottery studies during their time with the field school and receive individual training from our ceramicists.  Or they can split their time between the trench and this specialized training.

Details about how to apply for the upcoming 2013 season can be found at our website http://www.vinovium.org/apply/ or at vinovium@durham.ac.uk.

Prof Tonio Hölscher, University of Heidelberg, will give the following lecture:

“In Art, More Alive than in Reality: Imagining and Imaging Objects in Ancient Greece”

Tuesday 21st May, 5pm

Danson Room, Trinity College, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH

All are welcome.

–

For further information contact: carc@classics.ox.ac.uk

http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/events

Dr Peter Stewart
Director, Classical Art Research Centre
University Lecturer in Classical Art and Archaeology
University of Oxford/ Wolfson College

Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies
66 St Giles’, Oxford, OX1 3LU

Thomas Howard, Second Earl of Arundel

THE ARUNDEL SCULPTURES: NEW INSIGHTS

A Workshop Organized by the Ashmolean Museum and the Classical Art Research Centre, Oxford

Monday 20th May, 2013, Ashmolean Museum

To celebrate the reinstallation of the Arundel Marbles in the Ashmolean Museum’s Randolph Gallery, the Museum and the Classical Art Research Centre are collaborating to hold a workshop that re-examines the history of the Arundel collection and its individual sculptures. The day is aimed at students, academics, and anyone with relevant research interests.

The workshop will offer a fresh introduction to the collection from Oxford specialists, an explanation of the new installation by the Project Curator responsible, and the opportunity to examine selected sculptures at very close quarters, in small groups, outside normal museum opening hours. Sculptures to be studied will including works that have not been on display for many years.

To book a free place or for further information, please contact carc@classics.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 278083. Places are limited, so please book early. Click below for the provisional programme.

Provisional programme:

• 09:20 Registration and coffee
• 09:45 Introduction
• 10:00 The Formation of the Arundel Collection (Dr Susan Walker)
• 10:45 Coffee/tea
• 11:15 The Dispersal of the Arundel Collection: New Evidence (Dr Peter Stewart)
• 12:00 Re-installing the Collection (Ms Alison Pollard)
• 12:30 Lunch break (NB: lunch not provided)
• 1:30 Small groups examine selected sculptures, with exclusive access to the Randolph Gallery. Discussions led by Ashmolean curators and Oxford researchers, including: Alison Pollard, Prof RRR Smith, Dr Peter Stewart, Prof Michael Vickers, and Dr Susan Walker.
• The workshop will finish by 3.30pm.

Excavating the Baths at Carsulae

EXCAVATIONS OF THE BATHS AT ROMAN CARSULAE
June 16 – July 27, 2013

We are now accepting applications from students and volunteers to participate in our ninth season of excavations of the baths at Roman Carsulae.

Project and Location
Carsulae was a Roman city that developed in the late third century BCE along the Via Flaminia, approximately 100 kilometers north of Rome in modern Umbria. The major public buildings of Carsulae were excavated from 1950 to 1970, but most of the ancient city still lies undisturbed in what is now a beautiful archaeological park. The current excavation of the public baths at Carsulae began in 2004. We plan to dedicate the 2013 season to excavating the remainder of the areas beneath the protective roof, and also to developing a long-term plan for the conservation and partial restoration of the bath complex.

Program
The field program welcomes both students and volunteers. No experience is necessary, only an enthusiasm for archaeology and the ability to work hard in rigorous conditions. Participants are instructed in excavation strategies, techniques and recording, handling and conservation of artifacts, drafting of site plans and analytical rendering.

Cost
The program cost is $850.00 per week. This includes a shared room as well as breakfast daily, lunch and dinner five days a week. All equipment is provided. We ask all students and volunteers to participate for a minimum of three weeks.

Credit
Our field school has recently been given accreditation by Columbia University. Students interested in receiving undergraduate credit for their fieldwork should contact Ellen Stewart at the below email address for further information. Please bear in mind that tuition and any related fees are not included in our weekly program cost, and that a minimum number of weeks of participation will be required.

Accommodations and Meals
We stay at the Albergo Duomo (three or four people to a room) in the charming hill town of San Gemini, just three kilometers from Carsulae. All rooms have private baths and air conditioning, and the hotel is equipped with free wireless internet. Meals are eaten in the elegant dining room of the hotel.

Schedule
Participants work in the field Monday through Friday from 5 am to noon. After lunch and a well-earned siesta, afternoons are spent in the lab processing each day’s finds and sometimes attending classes, expert lectures, or working with our conservators. Weekends are open for travel or relaxation. Group trips to nearby sites of interest are often available.

For further details and to apply:
http://ww2.valdosta.edu/~jwhitehe/Carsulaeweb/Carsulae_home.htm

Inquiries may be sent to ebarc2013@gmail.com.

Related Programs
Our colleagues at San Gemini Preservation Studies offer a number of programs that also take place during the summer in San Gemini. We encourage you to look at their website and consider taking one of their courses before or after your time spent working with us.

Of particular relevance to our project is the Archaeological Ceramics Program, running from May 26 to June 22. This course provides an excellent background in conservation and restoration which may later be applied in the field and lab at Carsulae.

http://sgps-po.org

Thank you.

Jane Whitehead, Director of the Excavations of the Baths at Roman Carsulae
Department of Modern and Classical Languages
Valdosta State University