Excavating Forgotten Attica: the Case of Aixonidai Halai (Voula Field School) Excavating Aixonidai Halai Voula

Excavating Forgotten Attica: the Case of Aixonidai Halai (Voula Field School)

Excavating Forgotten Attica: the Case of Aixonidai Halai (Voula Field School) new course e1606211692806

This summer course will evolve around the physical excavation of a site near the modern Athenian suburb of Voula which, in antiquity, was associated with Aixonidai Halai, one of the main coastal demes (municipalities) of ancient Attica. According to all indications, it is quite probable that the excavation site corresponds to the Agora (i.e. the Market) of the ancient municipality. The course will consist of three main teaching components. The first is the on-site excavation, focusing on experiential learning, aimed primarily at introducing students to archaeological fieldwork and all related aspects of current research methodology and theory, under the supervision of trained professionals. The second consists of class lectures, which will subsequently enhance the “hands on” experience by placing it within the proper wider methodological and historical context. Last, but not least, the third component will be centered around lab-work and post-excavation data analysis, dealing primarily with the study and interpretation of the material cultural and will include artifact processing and cataloging, as well as artifact restoration and preservation.
The excavation runs under the directorship of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands of the Greek Ministry of Culture. CYA Professor John Karavas will be the course instructor at the field and during the evening classes. Afternoon classes will meet at CYA each day following the morning excavation sessions. In addition to the above, the course will also include visits to nearby relevant archaeological sites and museums, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Athenian Agora, the cemetery of Kerameikos, the National Archaeological Museum, the Sanctuary of Apollo Zoster, as well as the Piraeus Archaeological Museum.

Course Details

Schedule

Please keep in mind that excavation work is physically demanding and requires a total commitment of time and energy.  Students will be devoting their mornings to the excavation, and attend lectures in the afternoon.

Field work will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m., with a brief break at around 11:00 a.m.   Some weekend days may also be used to make up for lost excavation days due to bad weather.

You should be prepared to spend this time under the sun and in relatively high temperatures. Each day you are at the excavation, you are advised to have with you a bottle of water and a substantial snack.

Students will be provided with basic excavation tools upon arrival at the excavation site; in addition they are advised to bring with them the following:

  • Hat with wide brim
  • Sun Block
  • T-shirts covering the shoulders
  • Sturdy shoes or closed shoes (NO sandals on the excavation)
  • Long trousers – to avoid injuries & scratches from plants
  • Garden Gloves, if you wish to bring your own (you will be given a pair at the excavation)

Classroom meetings will be held in the late afternoon, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Academic Center.   Lab work and workshops will also be included in the program. Weekends will be free in general, unless a weekend day is utilized to make up for lost excavation days due to bad weather.

Ground Transportation to and from the excavation site by minibus is included in the fees.

Enrollment

This course requires a minimum enrollment of 10, with a maximum enrollment of 20.

Credit

60 contact hours

Essential Information

Enrolled students will have access to detailed information prior to departure that will include directions to the Academic Center and other practical information about the course and field work. CYA recommends the following websites for general information about Athens and Greece:  http://www.athensguide.com/ and http://www.greektravel.com/.

Housing

Students are housed within walking distance of the CYA Academic Center in either CYA student apartments located in the Pangrati neighborhood of central Athens or in hotel accommodations arranged by CYA. CYA apartments are simply furnished and equipped with a full kitchen and air-conditioned bedrooms; towels, linens and housekeeping service will be provided.  Hotel accommodations will be in simple 2- or 3-star hotels, double- or triple-occupancy, with air-conditioned rooms.

Facilities

The CYA Academic Center is located next to the Athens Marble Stadium and houses classrooms, the library, the student lounge and cafeteria, computer facilities (including wireless access for those students who choose to bring laptop computers), laundry facilities, and administrative offices. The Academic Center is accessible Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Meals

A full mid-day meal will be served weekdays in the CYA cafeteria between the hours of 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  A welcome and a farewell dinner are also included in the course fee.

Day-to-day Program & Itinerary

The day-to-day program and itinerary of the course are subject to change. Students are advised not to make plans for their free time or weekends in advance, as class schedules and site visits may be re-scheduled depending on local conditions.

For More Information

The Ancient Agora and related sites

 

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