Medieval Church Frescoes of Western Bulgaria, SofiaBulgaria • May 9-23, 2009 and October 3-17, 2009 |
  Dig Scholarship Winner EssaysEvery summer, people of all ages and from all walks of life volunteer to participate on archaeological digs throughout Israel, Jordan and other parts of the Mediterranean world. Read the dig experiences of three such volunteers, all of whom were selected as 2008 BAS Dig Scholarship winners. Read Dig Scholarship Winner Essays Find a Dig Poster
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 Preserving Medieval FrescoesJoin archaeologists, art historians and conservators as they document the beautiful but rapidly deteriorating frescoes from medieval churches in western Bulgaria. The team will visit as many as five long-abandoned chapels and small churches in the region, nearly all dating from the 10th to 17th centuries A.D.
Biblical Archaeology: From the Ground Down How does a dig team work? What do archaeologists look for at a dig? In this documentary DVD, learn how excavators work and what we can learn from archaeology. More information. The churches were originally commissioned by both Bulgarian and foreign dignitaries at various points during Bulgarian, Byzantine, and then Serbian rule over the region. Most were abandoned or destroyed during the early Ottoman period. Although the churches themselves were typically poorly built with little attention to architectural details, they often hide exquisite frescoes depicting important Biblical episodes and figures. Because western Bulgaria is situated at the heart of the Balkan region, the frescoes also reveal a great deal about where the various medieval artistic styles of the region originated and how they spread.
Unfortunately, centuries of neglect and exposure to the elements have taken their toll on these important relics of medieval art. The project, coordinated by the National Academy of Art in Sofia, hopes to photograph, document, and study the church frescoes before it is too late. Participants will receive specialized training in the medieval history of the region and fresco restoration and conservation techniques.
Ivan VasilevTeam leader Ivan Vasilev is a Bulgarian archaeologist and has had extensive experience coordinating cultural heritage management teams.
Nayden PrahovTeam leader Nayden Prahov is a Bulgarian archaeologist and has had extensive experience coordinating cultural heritage management teams.
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Dig DirectorsGeographic LocationWestern Bulgaria (within 60 miles of Sofia) Dates of OccupationMedieval, Ottoman Dates of the DigSession 1: May 9-23, 2009 Minimum StayTwo weeks Application DueSession 1: April 15, 2009 Cost$1,660 Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/InstitutionYes, National Arts Academy (Bulgaria), contact for details AccommodationsLodging in Sofia ContactBalkan Heritage Field School Open for toursYes (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) |
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