The project incorporates anthropological and Classical approaches in an effort to understand the construction and expression of Roman identity and wealth in an unstable frontier environment. The site is a palatial size (i.e. over 1ha of built space) rural villa, extensively mapped through GPR survey.

Excavations have unearthed already a rich environment, with 2 story buildings, the presence of a hypocaust, interior and exterior walls covered in frescoes, potential colonnades, several buildings outside the villa complex itself and a plethora of artifacts. Excavation will continue in 2021.

Participants are also able to integrate a week of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) intensive field and analytical training to their field school. The Geophysics (GPR) Exploration and Roman Excavation program allows students to acquire a highly marketable and useful skill set in Classical and Historical archaeology. GPR is by far the best geophysical tool available for locating and detailed mapping of buried structures (and graves, utilities, etc.).

Excavation Dates: Session 1: June 6 - July 3, 2021; Session 2: July 4 - July 31, 2021.
Location: Rapoltu Mare (Hunedoara County), Transylvania, Romania
Website: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/roman-villa-excavation
Roman Villa and Settlement Excavation Syllabus: https://3fab7da4-7e55-4713-888c-16896f7f46e3.filesusr.com/ugd/3ff7f8_e8eee11568124869ba81724a6f81e659.pdf
Project Director and Contact: Dr. Andre Gonciar (ArchaeoTek / BioArch Canada)
Contact Email: archaeology@archaeotek.org