Croatia: Lobor Bioarchaeology & Excavation (IFR)

Location: Svetište Majke Božje Gorske, Ul Antuna Gustava Matoša, Lobor, Croatia

Session Dates: June 15-July 12, 2025

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/croatia-lobor/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), University of Zagreb

Project Director:
Dr. Krešimir Filipec, Dr. Zdravka Hincak, Ms. Jana Skrgulja

Project Description:

Connect with humans from late antiquity through the early Middle Ages as you make your mark on an excavation that has been operating for over 25 years. Help uncover the mysteries of the sacred site of Lobor, which has long been associated with female religious icons, including a previous Roman temple dedicated to Diana and multiple churches dedicated to the worship of the Virgin Mary. You’ll help researchers understand more about the location’s importance from the 5th through the 12th century AD by excavating the graveyard and fortification walls surrounding the existing church, and will help shape what we know about daily life of its inhabitants through the study of human remains from the site.

Field school highlights:

• Gain practical hands-on experience that translates to any excavation site including digging techniques, sieving, surveying, documentation and more.
• Learn to identify human bones and deduce aspects of their lives and communities such as sex, age, diet, class, and more.
• Work alongside local university students from Croatia and create international friendships.

Period(s) of Occupation: Late Antiquity and Carolingian Age

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students will stay in Zagreb for the beginning and end of this program, but the main accommodations will be at a hostel in Lobor. These will consist of 2 to 3 students per room, with shared bathrooms and a kitchen. Linens, blankets, pillows, and pillow cases are provided. Rooms will be cleaned and disinfected by the accommodation staff, and laundry facilities will be provided on-site. Breakfast will be served at the accommodation. Dinner will be served in the accommodation or at the site. Lunch will be chosen from a daily menu at local restaurant. The restaurant is able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and students with various dietary food intolerances.

Academic Credit:
8 semester (12 quarter)