Exploring Ancient Sicily at Paliké

Location: Mineo, CT, IT

Season: May 12, 2019 to June 15, 2019

Application Deadline: February 1, 2019

Deadline Type: Exact date

Website: http://www.fau.edu/goabroad/Faculty-Led_Programs.php

Program Type:
Field school

RPA Certified:
no

Affiliation:
Florida Atlantic University

Project Director:
Professor Brian E. McConnell, RPA, Florida Atlantic University

Project Description:

Rocchicella di Mineo (ancient Paliké) is an archaeological site with a chronological sequence that runs almost continuously from the Mesolithic Period through the Middle Ages, and it offers an opportunity to study human habitation and indigenous-colonial interaction at the center of the Mediterranean.  In Archaic, Classical, and even into Roman Imperial times, Paliké was the seat of the indigenous cult of the Divine Palikoi — which grew around a series of ‘boiling lakes’ described in detail by Diodorus Siculus and even mentioned in the Aeneid by Vergil.  Monumental buildings in a planned layout with at least three major phases are associated with the sanctuary.  Briefly during the later fifth century B.C.E. the sanctuary was the seat of a league of Sikel cities, which under the leadership of Douketios stood up to the power of coastal Greek cities.  Portions of the site were used as a farm in later imperial times, and a Byzantine settlement with a later Arab presence have also been identified.  

The 2019 excavation season intends to continue exploration of the entrances to the major religious and political complexes in the Grotto area, the excavation of Stoa FA at the edge of the sanctuary’s service area, and the complex of levels associated with a Byzantine building that has been explored over the past two years.  Work at the site is performed roughly four days per week in the context of a study program that includes visits to major sites and museums (including Syracuse, Agrigento) and classwork in archaeological theory, Sicilian history, and cultural resource management.  An ancient Greek play at the Syracuse theater (INDA) is included, as well.  The program offers academic credit, academic service learning credit, and a certification of participation from the Soprintendenza per i Beni Culturali ed Ambientali di Catania.  Specialized projects can be arranged for students.  The site has an antiquarium and administrative, storage, and laboratory facilities, and it is fully equipped for the reception of visitors.  Housing and transportation to and from the program base in Catania is included in the official program expenses.  Transfer credit can be arranged for students coming from outside the State University System of Florida.  See our Facebook page:  Exploring Ancient Sicily at Palikè.

Period(s) of Occupation: Rocchicella di Mineo (ancient Paliké) is an archaeological site with a chronological sequence that runs almost continuously from the Mesolithic Period through the Middle Ages, and it offers an opportunity to study human habitation and indigenous-colonial interaction at the center of the Mediterranean.  In Archaic, Classical, and even into Roman Imperial times, Paliké was the seat of the best known indigenous cult -- that of the Divine Palikoi -- which grew around a series of 'boiling lakes' described in detail by Diodorus Siculus, the first century B.C.E. Greek historian, and even mentioned by Vergil.  Monumental buildings in a planned layout with at least three major phases are associated with the sanctuary.  Briefly during the later fifth century B.C.E. the sanctuary was the seat of a league of Sikel cities, which under the leadership of Douketios stood up to the power of coastal Greek cities.  Portions of the site were used as a farm in later imperial times, and a Byzantine settlement with a later Arab presence have also been identified.  

Notes:
Rocchicella di Mineo (ancient Paliké) offers a rich archaeological sequence with monumental construction within a dramatic landscape literally at the interface between Europe and Africa. Significant fieldwork is combined with structured academic instruction in archaeological theory, Sicilian history, and cultural resource management. College and university students of all ages are welcome, and the site is relatively easy to get around. Students gain exposure to excavation techniques, the processing and cataloguing of finds, archaeological illustration, and restoration. Evenings and weekends are free to explore the island of Sicily and points further afar. See our Facebook page: Exploring Ancient Sicily at Palikè

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 5 weeks

Minimum Age: 17

Experience Required: One year of college study is required, in order to enroll in the academic program. No prior knowledge of archaeology, fieldwork, or related study is required. Participants should be ready to work outdoors within the regulations of a formal safety plan, which also prescribes appropriate clothing (e.g. safety shoes, long-sleeved shirt, and a hat for the sun). The weather is reasonable for the early summer season.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students stay in apartments within the city of Catania rented by the FAU program (transportation to the site and to other program destinations is included in the program fee).  Double occupancy is normal with separate apartments for men and women.  Full kitchen and bathing facilities are available in each apartment, as well as a washing machine, which is included in the program fee.  Introductory, final, and 'road trip' meals are included in the program fee, although day-to-day meals and related, personal expenses are the responsibility of each participant. Cost: Program fee -- $2,488 plus transportation to and from the program base. Approximately $125 per week for food and related personal expenses.

Academic Credit:
Basic introductory course -- 4 credits either at the undergraduate (lower or upper division) or the graduate level. Additional credits (up to 2 at either the undergraduate or the graduate level) may be arranged for additional special projects or for students returning to the project after having taken the basic introductory course. credits offered by Florida Atlantic University. Tuition: is based on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled and residency status in or out of the State of Florida. Please see the brochure for further information or contact the Education Abroad office (mmcshane@fau.edu)..