Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE)

Location: Marneuli, KK, GE

Season: May 1, 2023 to June 12, 2023

Session Dates: Minimum two weeks are required, and we are offering stays in blocks between: May 5 June 15 (6-week stays) May 5 - May 26 (2-3 week stays) May 19 - June 8 (2-3 week stays) But dates are flexible. Contact us if you wish different dates.

Application Deadline: May 16, 2023

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://grape.utoronto.ca/

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Toronto, Georgian National Museum, and National Wine Agency of the Republic of Georgia

Project Director:
Stephen Batiuk, University of Toronto, Mindia Jalabadze, Georgian National Museum, and Khaled Abujayyab (University of Toronto)

Project Description:

The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) is a joint venture between the University of Toronto, the Georgian National Museum (GNM) and the National Wine Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture (of the Republic of Georgia) to investigate the emergence and evolution of Prehistoric Cultures in southern Caucasia and the development of horticultural practices and resultant secondary products, with a focus on viticulture and viniculture. GRAPE represents the archaeological component of a larger interdisciplinary project sponsored by the Georgian National Government entitled the Research and Popularization of Georgian Grape and Wine Culture. The excavations are directed by Mindia Jalabadze (GNM), Stephen Batiuk  (University of Toronto), with Khaled Abujayyab (University of Toronto) directing excavations at Shulaveris Gora and the Regional Survey. GRAPE’s aim is to investigate the development of agricultural and horticultural practices across a series of rural settlements in the Middle Kura region of the Kvemo Kartli province south of the modern city of Marneuli, with a larger aim of examining the Neolithic landscape of the Middle Kura region and its diachronic changes through time.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic (6000-5200 BCE), Chalcolithic (5000-3500 BCE)

Notes:
This will be the sixth year of the University of Toronto’s summer program in Georgia. The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) is an international multidisciplinary research project investigating the emergence of farming economies in the South Caucasus and the influence of the Near East on the development of local Neolithic cultures and, conversely, the influence of Caucasia on the Near East. This program provides a unique opportunity to receive intensive training in archaeological field and survey methods at the sites of Gadachrili Gora and Shulaveris Gora. Be part of the research team that uncovered the earliest evidence of winemaking! The 2018 season took part in this incredible discovery under the supervision of researchers from the GRAPE. The 2024 season will continue to offer volunteers a rare opportunity to contribute to the search for examining the Chalcolithic and Neolithic cultures of the south Caucasus. Minimum stay of two weeks, but dates are flexible. Contact us for more information.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 weeks

Minimum Age: 19

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Volunteers will stay in farmhouses in a local village near the site. This is an expedition so please note that our accommodations are comfortable but rustic. Breakfast, lunch (sandwiches, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fruit), and dinner will be provided seven days a week while together. Meals will be covered on field trips as well. There may be several free days/ weekends when students will be able to travel to Tbilisi or around Georgia. Students who choose to do so will be responsible for their own food and lodging while away. • Internet (wifi) • Laundry • Showers • Shared, dormitory-style (gender-segregated) • Vegan diets cannot be accommodated. There will be a few weekly field trips around the region, visiting other archaeological and historical sites, as well as wineries and museums. • Welcome and Farewell Georgian Supra • Experimental archaeology sessions – pottery and lithic manufacture • Archaeological Survey • Local community engagement at several public events (e.g., Georgian Independence Day) Cost: $500/week US). Includes , meals, and accommodation for the full period of stay. Interested parties should fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/25EtQCgsxwoDtr9KA

Academic Credit:
Full course (whole year) credit credits available for the 2024 season through the University of Toronto!