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Pollentia

Fun in the Forum

In 123 B.C. the army of the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered the island of Majorca and, in 70 B.C., founded the city of Pollentia on the northern side of the island. The city thrived for the next 500 years but was then abandoned in the fifth century A.D., following the general decline of the Roman Empire.

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 ruins of the Roman city, in the modern town of Alcudia, are the best-preserved Roman remains on the island of Majorca. The site was discovered in the 17th century and systematic research started in the 1930s. So far, archaeologists have uncovered three main areas: a residential quarter, the city forum and the theater. For scholars and researchers, these remains provide vital clues into the spread of Roman culture in the Balearic Islands.
This season, volunteers will help excavate the city’s forum, the center of Roman life and culture at Pollentia. In previous seasons, the excavations, led by Dr. Margarita Orfila Pons, have uncovered parts of the forum’s main temple and the area’s commercial district. On the dig, you’ll learn the basics principles of archaeological excavation and theory and will also have the chance to travel around this historic and beautiful island. Please note that this project is intended for high school students in grades 11 and 12. Participants will stay two to three to a room in a hotel in the medieval town of Alcudia. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a television.

Margarita Orfila Pons

Margarita Orfila PonsDr. Orfila Pons is a professor of Archaeology at the University of Granada, where she directs several research groups on Archaeology and Ancient History. A native of Menorca, she has been part of the Pollentia excavation and research project for more than 15 years. Besides directing the Pollentia excavation, Dr. Orfila directs the project “Digital Pollentia,” which has completely reconstructed digitally the old city of Pollentia. In addition to her contributions to the site of Pollentia, Margarita Orfila has done extensive research and archaeological work at the Paleo-Christian site of Son Fadrinet in Mallorca.

Dig Directors

Margarita Orfila Pons

Geographic Location

Alcudia, Mallorca, off the coast of Spain

Dates of Occupation

Roman, Medieval

Dates of the Dig

July 7-August 1, 2009

Minimum Stay

One month

Application Due

Rolling registration

Cost

US/Canada: $4,800
Rest of the world: €3,400

Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution

Yes, contact dig for information

Accommodations

Hotel in the center of Alcudia

Contact

Santiago Enrique
(866) 932-0003
programs@archaeospain.com
Pollentia Web Site

Open for tours

Yes

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