As the first three weeks of the Zagora Archaeological Project come to an end, we say goodbye to our first group of students and prepare to welcome a new student team. This has been a wonderful group who have come a long way as budding field archaeologists from that first daunting day on site.
We have seen excellent teamwork and bonding among students over the shared experience of the challenges of accessing the site and the physical nature of some of the work. Students have been learning to use large and small tools and to identify changes in stratigraphy. They have also learnt how to lay out and open new trenches, and how to record and document the work and the finds made, all while moving tons of earth and stone. And, of course, enjoying the thrill of finding their first pottery sherds!
Here are a few personal observations from some of the students as they reflect on their experience in Zagora.
Sabine: “It was really something else seeing the site for the time in person after studying it class. It made my degree feel real and helped me realise that I could actually do this for my life.”
Sanju: “What will I take back to the classroom as a teacher? I think being able to talk to what archaeologists actually do in the field. It’s not just reading about famous archaeologists from the past uncovering tombs or temples, but it’s the everyday stuff that we are looking at here, to see why that’s important and bring it to life. We’ve also been able to have access to experts in their field such as the conservationist, illustrator and drone specialist.”
Ella: “The routine of early starts and the hikes were definitely an adjustment and difficult both physically and mentally, but we got to enjoy the sunrise everyday at the site…. Zagora has made me realise we are a lot stronger than we think we are!”
Rory: “I particularly like studying the iron age, so seeing the site in person is really cool. Coming to Zagora has definitely confirmed my interest in studying archaeology. I also understood the importance of recording our work every day.”
Rose: “In the beginning it was all new and overwhelming, but now coming to site each day feels familiar and good. I wanted to come and see whether field archaeology was for me, and while this has been a phenomenal experience and I have enjoyed every second, I feel that I don’t have the drive for the physicality it requires and prefer to focus on other aspects of archaeology. “
Charli: “As a classics student the experience of an archaeological dig in gaining an understanding of the everyday lives of these people is so enriching and great for context when it comes to my studies of the socio-economic aspects of ancient Greece. I study the laws and day to day practices, and seeing the houses has allowed me to imagine what it was like to be here in the iron age. Coming to a dig for the first time was daunting, but every day I see the same kind of sunrise and the same landscape, as the people of Zagora. By being on site, I feel connected to these people in a way that texts can’t give you and it has enriched my understanding of the texts. I experienced a real sense of achievement at the end of each day.”
Connor: “Coming from Sydney and seeing that first sunrise and the terraced landscape was pretty surreal. Field work has exceeded my expectations, I have enjoyed the physicality, even though it’s been difficult. It has reinforced my desire to continue studying archaeology and understanding what happens outside of the classroom, and in our downtime it’s been great to make a lot of new friends and spend time swimming, exploring Chora and practising some Greek.”
Congratulations to our season one team of students, thank you for all your hard work and effort and we wish you well in your studies.
Kalo taxidi everyone!
