Archaeology Field School at the Temple of Zeus in Syracuse, Sicily

Location: Syracuse Academy - Neapolis Center | Study in Sicily, Piazzale San Marziano, Syracuse, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse, Italy

Season: June 29, 2024 to July 27, 2024

Session Dates: Summer Session I: June 29-July 13 (2 weeks) Summer Session III: June 29 - July 27 (4 weeks) Early-bird enrolment deadline: February 16th, 2024 Standard enrolment deadline: April 12th, 2024 (NB: Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to reserve their preferred courses and housing options. Program housing offered on “first come, first served” basis.)

Application Deadline: April 12, 2024

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.syracuseacademy.org/archaeology-field-school-in-sicily/

Discount for AIA members: Early-bird discount applies

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Syracuse Academy, in partnership with University of Naples "Federico II" & the Archaeological Park of Syracuse

Project Director:
University of Naples "Federico II": Prof. Rodolfo Brancato - Archaeological Park of Syracuse: Dr. Carmelo Bennardo - Syracuse Academy: Ann Byrne

Project Description:

International Summer School for Undergraduate and Graduate students in Sicily

There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met. W.B. Yates

Course code: AR200A/B
Contact Hours:

• Session I: 60 hours
• Session III: 100 hours

Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:

• Watch highlights in the Program Video from previous year 
• Hands on excavation at the archaeological site guided by experts
• Take part in analysis of artefacts at the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse
• Join team work activities with students from University in Naples and other prestigious international universities
• Field trips to historical sites of interest and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Course description:

Students step into the heart of ancient civilization at the Archaeology Field School at the Temple of Zeus, located in the enchanting city of Syracuse, Sicily. This extraordinary course unfolds at the crossroads of history, where students are granted exclusive access to the revered archaeological sites, museum laboratories, and rich archives of the Archaeological Park of Syracuse. Each corner of this historic site whispers the tales of time, waiting to be unearthed and brought to light. Immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes where history and mythology intertwine, students will work side-by-side with renowned archaeologists and researchers from prestigious Italian and European university departments. Together, they will embark on a journey through time, engaging in hands-on archaeological practices—from excavations to analyses. The course oers an invaluable opportunity to delve deeply into the realms of archaeology, experiencing rsthand the thrill of discovery and the meticulous art of preserving historical treasures.

The columns of the Greek Temple of Zeus Olympic, perched majestically overlooking the great harbor of Syracuse and the enchanting island of Ortigia, stands as a timeless sentinel of ancient history and divine reverence. This magnicent temple, a tribute to the most prominent of the Olympian gods, Zeus, embodies the architectural grandeur and spiritual signicance of the ancient Greek civilization in Sicily. Serving as a monumental nexus of religious and cultural activities, the temple has silently witnessed the conuence of diverse civilizations, maritime sagas, and historical epochs that have unfolded in the vibrant landscapes of Syracuse’s harbor and the mesmerizing Ortigia, such the city siege by the Athenian and Roman armies. Embraced by the gentle whispers of the Mediterranean breezes and bathed in the warm Sicilian sun, the Temple of Zeus Olympic continues to echo the illustrious tales of ancient rituals, mythological legends, and the enduring legacy of Greek inuence on the rich tapestry of Sicilian history and culture.

Visit the program website for more information on enrollment.

Period(s) of Occupation: Artifacts uncovered on-site in recent excavations are from the Late bronze age to the middle ages. The academic activities focus on the ancient Greek and Classical period in Sicily and the Mediterranean.

Notes:
- 4 to 7 U.S. credits | 60-100 contact hours - Major Disciplines: Archaeology, History, Classics, Anthropology - Related Disciplines: Cultural Studies, Italian Studies, Environmental Humanities - Program fee includes mandatory Field Work Health & Safety course - Optional classes in Italian language or Environmental Humanities

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No experience required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Our student apartments feature cozy double rooms with storage and study space. Relax in spacious common areas and cook in a well-equipped kitchen – your perfect retreat after a day of studying. Enjoy worry-free living with cleaning, fast Wi-Fi, 24/7 support, and all-inclusive utilities. We offer a prime location in Siracusa, just minutes from the main study center. Experience both convenience and a lively community atmosphere in the heart of the safe city center, all within walking distance from the beach.

Academic Credit:
4 to 7 US credits. Official transcripts need to be requested and require approval by home university registrar. Contact to request the program syllabi.