Archaeology Dig 2007: Stara Zagora Heritage Volunteer Workcamp, Bulgaria

Fieldwork in Focus: Stara Zagora

Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria - a mid-size Bulgarian town (170 000 inhabitants) with an ancient history and heritage (older than 8000 years). It is also a major transport junction and may be reached by both bus and train from major Bulgarian cities with air terminals and border points.

Nearest air terminals: Sofia (200 km), Plovdiv (90 km), Burgas (200 km)

Project type: volunteer camp

Site/s: Avgusta Traina-Beroe-Borui (the same town with different names changing over time) located under present-day Stara Zagora town center.

Period(s) of occupation: Roman (A.D. 107-370s), Late Antique (A.D. 370s - 590s), Medieval (A.D. 590s- 1360s)

Description: In relation with the fast emerging town center and related construction projects Stara Zagora Regional History Museum has implemented an intensive program of rescue excavations discovering Roman, Late Antique and Medieval pages of town history. In 2007 this institution celebraties its 100th anniversary by moving to another new building. Both activities require local and international volunteers, who may support the museum and local heritage in the following areas:

• Rescue excavations - digging, brushing, measuring, washing and cataloging artifacts etc.;
• Archaeological sites' maintenance - painting, removing grass and cleaning visitors' areas etc.;
• Arrangement of new museum's building - cleaning, decoration and carrying boxes with materials.

Activities will take place in the town center on a rotational basis. The work is from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm every day but Sunday with 30 min break. All volunteers interested in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation are welcome. Two workshops in the area of Archaeology and Roman history are provided.

Details

• Organizer: BH fieldschool
• Workcamp dates: 1-12 August 2007
• Application Deadline: 1 July 2007
• Minimum age: 16
• Language: English
• Notes: hard physical work in the open air (summers here are hot), work will be assisted by local workers.
• Experience required: None
• Room and Board arrangements: In shared 3- and 2-bed rooms with WC & Showers in a small village hotel near the town. 3 meals per day are served in the hotel restaurant.
• Free time: Guided visits around the town of Stara Zagora and to the Valley of Thracian kings as well as Plovdiv are organized for all workcamp participants. The town of Stara Zagora offers a lot of opportunities for sport and entertainment.
• Participation fee: 290 EUR * (app. 377 USD in March 2007) - including board and meals, travel to and from the work site, excursions/sightseeing tours/entrance fees, participation in workshops, medical insurance and administrative costs. Travel to and from the workcamp destination and all additional expenses are covered by volunteers.

• Balkan Heritage Fieldschools, with contact information
• Archaeology Digs 2007
• More Field Schools in Focus