Embedded Files
When does the excavation take place?
May 20th-June 17th 2025
What can we expect to find at Wareswald?
Wareswald was a small town in the Roman period, occupied from the late first to late fourth centuries A.D., it has been only partially explored by archaeological excavations. Our work will concentrate upon the area surrounding a Romano-Celtic temple uncovered a few years ago. The temple was probably dedicated to the god Mars, as numerous spearheads and statuettes of Mars were found inside it. A Celtic (pre-Roman) burial of a warrior with a sword was found below the building.
We hope to find related features, such as more temples, enclosure walls, altar foundations, and of course objects. These range from pieces of pottery to coins, metal objects and even fragments of sculpture. The last two seasons produced numerous iron spearheads, suggesting a tradition of weapon offerings at the temple.
Who is organizing this project?
The site is administered year round by Terrex gGmbh - a non-profit archaeology and cultural heritage company. The temple excavation with international students is directed by Prof. Philip Kiernan, formerly associate professor of Art History at Kennesaw State University and now working full time in Germany. Terrex was founded in 2002, while students from the USA have been brought since 2018.
Who can apply?
Any serious, dependable, and interested student is welcome. No prior archaeological experience is necessary. We are particularly keen to find students who may want to return (the dig is financed for 3 years), and those who have skills such as AutoCAD, Photoshop, Archaeological Illustration, ArcGIS etc. Students enrolled at institutions in the state of Georgia, or students from or with a connection to the state of Georgia, are preferred in the selection process, but in principle anyone from anywhere may be accepted.
What does it cost?
Accepted applicants are asked to pay a deposit/fee of $625 by Jan. 10th 2024 and then cover their own travel to Germany. This very low cost is enabled by a generous grant from the Halle Foundation. (Note for 2024: The Halle Grant renewal will be confirmed or denied in Dec. 2023. In the event our application is rejected, we will need to adjust the dig fee. For this reason we are not taking deposits until after the grant has been confirmed.)
What will I do and learn as a participant?
All of the processes of archaeological excavation, from moving earth to basic surveying (mapping), data management, illustration (drawings and photographs), the processing and illustrating of archaeological finds. A series of evening lectures introduces students to the history and archaeology of the region, from the prehistoric to medieval periods, while excursions and hikes to important sites and museums present participants with a broader impression of the archaeology, art history, and cultural heritage of this region.
What expenses are covered in Germany?
Most travel, lodging, excursions, entrance fees, equipment and all the costs of running the dig are covered. Students need to cover their travel to Germany, a few meals and incidentals. Some meals will be covered by the dig, as are on site snacks and most lunches.
What are the accommodations like?
Participants will be housed in a group of apartments in the village of Tholey. Each includes a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants in Tholey.
Who can apply?
Any serious, dependable, and interested student is welcome. Recent graduates may also apply. No prior archaeological experience is necessary, and we consider applicants from all fields of study, though the project is particularly attractive to students of History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, German, Architecture etc. Students with skills such as AutoCAD, QGIS, Photoshop, Archaeological Illustration, ArcGIS etc. are particularly useful to the project.
Students enrolled at institutions in the state of Georgia, or students originally from or with a connection to Georgia, receive a slight preference in the selection process, but students from elsewhere should not be discouraged from applying.
How many applicants will be accepted?
We anticipate accepting 10 applicants from North America.
Are any scholarships available?
Yes, participants who have already spent one season at Wareswald, and wish to return, may be offered a scholarship.
What field trips are planned?
Participants are taken on field trips on (rare) rainy days and weekends. The location of Wareswald makes numerous fieldtrips possible. There are several important museums, and hundreds of archaeological sites nearby. The exact schedule is still being prepared, but will certainly include Trier, the capital of Gallia Belgica, and sometimes called the “Rome of the West” and other sites in the Mosel valley. We will make an effort to include a mixture of cities and country sites, as well as Celtic, Roman and Medieval monuments.
If no academic credit is available directly, why should I do this?
Apart from the chance to work on an incredible archaeological site for a very low cost, there are many real benefits to participating on an international research project. Over the years, we have found these outweigh student’s needs for formal credit.
For students who wish to apply to graduate school or build a career in classics, archaeology (CRM), anthropology and art history, participating in projects like this will be a major boost to any graduate school or job application. The experience is more important than the actual transcript credit. Even for those studying in unrelated fields, participation in an international field project is a wonderful asset on any CV or application.
As the project is run in close participation with the local German team, and will work and live with German student participants as well, they will make lasting international friendships.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse