Monte TestaccioItaly • September 20-October 4, 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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 What a Pile of ... Sherds?!!It is often said that archaeology is nothing more than the digging up of ancient people’s trash. The site of Monte Testaccio in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome, however, takes this idea to an entirely new level. The entire 135-foot-high mound, now covered with grass and trees, is made up of discarded amphora sherds from the first to forth centuries A.D. The tens of thousands of amphorae represented by the massive pile of sherds originally held olive oil that had been shipped from the Roman provinces to the capital.
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. All of this ceramic “trash,” however, is actually quite useful for reconstructing ancient Roman economy and commerce. Many of the amphorae were marked with the seals of the olive oil distributors, as well as the names of the exporter and the contents of the vessel. Such information can help archaeologists and historians better understand the nature of commerce and exchange in the Roman Empire.
Volunteers will stay in double rooms in nearby hotels in Rome and will take their meals at local restaurants.
José M. Blazquez Dr. José M. Blazquez is Professor Emeritus of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of History. He is an expert in the pre-Roman and Roman history of Hispania and has published extensively on both subjects.José Remesal Rodríguez Dr. José Remesal Rodríguez is a professor of Ancient History at the University of Barcelona. He is an expert in the social and economic history of the Roman Empire and has focused much of his work on studying the production and commerce of food in the ancient world. |
Dig DirectorsJosé M. Blazquez Geographic LocationRome, Italy Dates of OccupationRoman Dates of the DigSeptember 20-October 4, 2009 Minimum StayTwo weeks Application DueRolling registration Cost$2,915 Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/InstitutionYes, depends on the university AccommodationsHotel near site ContactMike Elkin Open for toursYes |
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