Prehistoric Bedmar, Spain – Institute for Field Research

Location: Bedmar, CD, ES

Season: July 7, 2019 to August 3, 2019

Application Deadline: April 5, 2019

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/spain-bedmar/

Program Type:
Field school

RPA Certified:
no

Affiliation:
Fundación Instituto de Investigación y Evolución Humana, Connecticut College, Institute for Field Research

Project Director:
Dr. Marco Antonio Bernal Gomez

Project Description:

Bedmar is a beautiful town in the province of Cordoba, in southern Spain. Here, in the Serrezuela mountain range, members of the Fundación Instituto de Investigación y Evolución Humana (FIPEH) have identified archaeological sites that point to human presence dating from 100,000 to 4,000 Before Present (BP). In 2017, a cave called Cueva del Rio Cuadros, was identified and found to extend over 400 meters. At the entrance, there are human remains and ceramic sherds which date the site to the Bronze Age (4,000 BP). Further inside the cave, several burial structures were found along the corridor – some of them are rooms walled with rocks, and at least one of them contains human remains. The cave also contains paintings possibly dating to the upper Paleolithic (50,000 – 10,000 BP). Our goal for the 2019 field season is to better understand the populations inhabiting the Sierra Magina in prehistoric times through excavation and analysis of the remains recovered from the Cueva del Rio Cuadros site and surrounding environs. We will work to determine the chronology of the site by studying the paintings, human bones, and archaeological material. We will also attempt to determine the size of the site by means of topological study of the cave.

Period(s) of Occupation: Prehistoric Cave Archaeology

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this field school.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodations are in shared rooms (4-6 beds) located in Municipal Dormitory (Residencia Municipal) in the town of Bedmar. Pillows and sheets are provided. Rooms are equipped with AC. Bathrooms are shared, and each is equipped individual showers. The common areas are cleaned once a week by professional cleaners. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided 7 days a week at the residence. It is based on a Mediterranean diet. There will be special recipes for those who have dietary restrictions such as diabetes, allergies or gluten intolerance and vegetarians. Cost: Room and Board is included in the tuition of this field school.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,530.