Petroto Archaeological & Palaeoenvironmental Program

Location: Petroto, Trikala, Greece

Season: July 21, 2025 to August 9, 2025

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Greek Ministry of Culture

Project Director:
Dr. M. Vaiopoulou, Dr. A. Gkotsinas

Project Description:

The Petroto Archaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Project (Pe.Ar.Pe.P.) is an interdisciplinary research and excavation initiative focused on the Bronze Age site of Petroto (3200–1100 BC), located in the regional unit of Trikala in Thessaly, Central Greece. Systematic excavations at the site have been ongoing since 2011, conducted by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture under the direction of Dr. Maria Vaiopoulou, archaeologist and head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Karditsa.

The aim of the project is to shed light on the structure, organization, economy, and development of Petroto society from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age, corresponding to the Palatial period of the Mycenaean world. To date, fifteen buildings and forty-four burials have been uncovered, dating from Early Helladic II to Late Helladic IIIC. A wide range of studies has been conducted, including traditional archaeology (pottery, stratigraphy, architecture), environmental archaeology (archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, geology), and funerary archaeology. Scientific methods such as radiocarbon (C14) dating, thermoluminescence (TL), and isotope analysis have also been employed.

This year’s field school invites participants to take part in excavation, research, and conservation activities both on-site and in the laboratory of the Petroto Archaeological Project. In addition, students will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops covering topics such as archaeology, pottery, archaeometallurgy, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, and osteology.

Period(s) of Occupation: Bronze Age: 3200-1100 BC

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No

Room and Board Arrangements:
Participants will stay in Petroto village, located 2 km from the site. For more details regarding housing, meals, and activities, please contact: pe.ar.pe.p25@gmail.com.

Academic Credit:
No