digexpect

1. Monte Palazzi: A Mountaintop Experience.

Even if you are an outdoors type, don't expect to have to hike or climb to the top of this mountain. An access trail allows us to drive right up to the site with all of our equipment. There are no dangerous animals at this elevation. The forest shade and mountain breezes make digging especially pleasant. Radios keep us linked as we work and move around the excavation area. You should have time to think while you are digging, and you must know what you are doing at all times.

2. Will there be any physical discomfort?

Conditions on any dig can be demanding. But you will always work in a team and under supervision. You will learn how to excavate and sift dirt, and you will help to remove rocks and other debris. Tasks will be rotated, but you may discover that you are especially adept at certain operations, like troweling or pickaxing. And if you cannot handle a task, you should talk to your field supervisor. Everyone will get dirty, no matter what! There will also be regular breaks for tea or cofee, or just plain rest, and you will be reminded to hydrate frequently. A private area will be designated as outdoors toilet facility.

3. Who will be my fellow excavators?

You should expect to be in a group of college-age students and middle-age and older adults. Mediterranean archaeology attracts young and old volunteers, each of whom makes a unique contribution to the success of our field season. You will quickly bond with your trenchmates. Personality conflicts may develop in any situation, but it's important to maintain camraderie and mutual respect.

4. What will I find on the dig?

We know that Monte Palazzi was settled by Greeks, and we are trying to reconstruct why they were at Monte Palazzi and how they lived. Most of the finds so far have consisted of classical pottery (drinking vessels, kitchen wares, transport amphoras), and we expect to find more of the same. We have also found fragments of terracotta figurines and painted plaster, but relatively little metal and bone. We are looking for more evidence of habitation (lodging, cooking, storage facilities). You will help excavate the fortification wall and some of the rooms of the building.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at mamertion@prodigy.net

What to Expect on Our Dig