Nikopoli archaeology and bioarchaeology field school

Location: Ancient Nikopoli, Preveza, Greece

Season: June 23, 2025 to July 11, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.excavate.gr

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Excavate In Greece AMKE

Project Director:
Mr. Yiannis Papadimitriou and Dr. Efrossini Vika

Project Description:

Nikopoli field school is unique in Greece, as it provides excavation and bioarchaeology training together at the same site, while encouraging you to learn more about modern day Greece in an immersive cultural experience!

By attending, you will gain in-depth knowledge that will significantly strengthen your academic profile and will acquire significant skills for your future career. The archaeological site of Nikopoli is the largest ancient city in Greece. It is located on southwest Epirus, within an outstanding natural landscape next to the Ionian Sea. Nikopoli was built by Octavian after his victory against the fleet of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra at Aktion in 31 BC. The name in fact means ‘city of victory’ in Greek. Soon, it became a very large and rich city, featuring magnificent public works, like the stadium, the theatre, the odeon, the gymnasium, and the aqueduct (most of them visible or under excavation).

During the field school, you will participate in real archaeological excavations alongside professional archaeologists, attend seminars on archaeology, language, ancient philosophy, archaeopolitics, and heritage studies, visit important sites and museums. You will also be introduced to bioarchaeology and record real skeletal remains.

You should expect to learn:
Advanced excavation methods
Stratigraphy
Archaeological photography
Use of total station and levelling instruments
Site drawing (plains, profiles, and stratigraphic)
Handling finds, labeling, storing
Environmental and organic sampling
Site recording and finds recording

Nikopoli field school includes an intensive Bioarchaeology component in the lab. During the course, you will handle real human remains from excavations in the city. You will receive lectures and practical training in:
Bone identification
Recording individual skeletons and commingled remains
Aging and sexing of human remains
Metrics and non-metrics
Paleopathology and trauma
Cremated remains
Biomolecular applications (isotopes, aDNA, proteomics)
Current issues in bioarchaeology and research skills

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine

Notes:
After completion of the course, participants receive a certificate of 150h stating all activities, signed by the authorities. Outstanding students may request a letter of recommendation from the Project Director.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 weeks

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: No previous excavation or bioarchaeology experience required, as we provide constant training and supervision during all tasks. You must be a student or graduate of Archaeology or an allied discipline to apply.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Participants share twin rooms with bathroom/shower, A/C, television and Wi-Fi. One meal a day at a local restaurant (your choice from the menu) is included in the costs. Please see website for details.

Academic Credit:
We offer academic credit at no additional cost. Please consult with your academic advisor first.