29th July to 19th August 2015

HARP will be running an Experimental Archaeology Field School in the village of Kissonerga, Cyprus in summer 2015. The Field School aims to recreate an installation that was likely used for beer production in the Middle Bronze Age. The original structure has been excavated as part of a research excavation run by Dr. Lindy Crewe of the University of Manchester since 2007.

The site of Kissonerga-Skalia is a Middle Bronze Age settlement that has revealed a series of domestic dwellings that were superseded by a phase of monumental construction. The village of Kissonerga is incredibly rich in archaeological sites with some of the worlds oldest Neolithic wells at Kissonerga-Mylouthkia, the Chalcolithic settlement of Kissonerga-Mosphillia, as well as the settlement of Skalia.

The original installation was constructed out of mud plaster and would have had a domed roof. The structure contained a series of pot lined pits and a sunken fire pit that would have heated the main chamber of the structure.

During beer production, partially germinated or malted grains are added to water and heated to make a 'mash' and wort, a sticky viscous liquid. Prior to making the 'mash', the germination process of the grains needs to be stopped, this is usually done by drying the grains rapidly. It is believed that the heat generated within the main chamber of the installation at Skalia would be sufficient to dry out the germinated grains before making the 'mash'. Following this stage the fermentation process can begin in order to produce beer.

In 2015 the aims of our field school include improving our understanding of beer production and consumption in Bronze Age Cyprus, along with gaining a better understanding of how the kiln would have been constructed and used at Skalia.

The aims of the Field School are to build a fourth installation using slightly different construction techniques than in pervious seasons, and to produce beer using methods likely dating back to the Bronze Age. The 2015 kiln will be used to dry malted grains before the grains are crushed using traditional techniques. The crushed malt will then be used to make beer using locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. Participants will also get the opportunity to excavate the remains of the 2013 and 2014 kiln in order to learn excavation skills and test our excavation hypotheses for the kiln.

Participants will learn and apply experimental archaeology building techniques in order to recreate a fully functional installation. Alongside this participants will also be provided with practical workshops that will teach them archaeological excavation and recording techniques, as well as visiting a number of local sites and seminars that will put their work into the context of the local archaeological record and the archaeology of Cyprus as a whole.

The Field School is ideal for all levels of archaeology students, particularly those with an interest in experimental archaeology or the archaeology of the Mediterranean and Near East, as well as anyone with an interest in the subject or looking to become more involved in learning about archaeology.

Dates

The 2015 project will be running from Wednesday 29th July to Wednesday 19th August.

Places are available for the full three weeks, or for two week periods from 29th July to 12th August, or 5th to 19th August.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in the Kissonerga Village School. The accommodation will be dormitory style and mattresses will be provided. Participants will need to bring their own bedding/sleeping bags and can bring tents if greater privacy is required, however open air sleeping is recommended due to the heat. Food will be provided in the form of on site picnic lunches and evening meals on work days. The school/dig house has full cooking facilities and there is a local supermarket and a number of nearby tavernas for days off. All transport to and from site and on site visits will be provided, airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Alternative accommodation for the field school can be arranged on request at an extra cost.

Costs

Costs for the Field School are £210 (GBP) per person per week and a minimum of 2 weeks are required. The cost for attending the entire Field School (3 weeks) is £600 (GBP) per person. Costs include all course fees, transport to and from site and on site visits, accommodation, and food on work days. Transport to and from Cyprus is not included. A non-refundable 50% deposit will be required on acceptance to secure your place. Participants will also need to bring spending money for personal expenses, food and transport/activities on days off. Places are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis upon receipt of the deposit.

For more information and to book a place please contact us