Description

The excavation focuses on the Vaccean necropolis. The Vaccean culture was an Iron Age people with Celtic links that settled in north-central Spain around the 5th century BC. The cemetery, located about 300 meters (984 feet) from the main settlement, was used between the 4th century BC and the 1st century.

Up to 2004, archaeologists had uncovered about 70 cremation tombs. Since then we have opened around 130 more, including warriors, women and children. Research in this area and the study of the war-related and culturally related artifacts are helping investigators understand the social organization of these pre-Roman peoples.

In 2007 and 2008 teams uncovered around 50 cremation tombs, the majority dating to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Around 500 funerary artifacts were found, and of those 100 came from a single burial of two girls. Our most important find was Tomb 153 and its 115 grave goods, including some unique ceramic copies of jewelry.

In 2009, Pintia crews excavated 44 tombs containing around 600 man-made artifacts. In one section around 100 giant limestone slabs (some weighing nearly a metric ton) covered the tombs, which protected them from subsequent farming and left the funerary jars and grave goods in excellent condition. The artifacts recovered included daggers, broaches, spear points, grills, knives, tongs, tweezers, shaving blades and necklaces.

In 2010 the groups suffered a bit of a lean season, uncovering only 22 tombs in poor condition. Nevertheless, we found the first Celtiberian coin minted in Navarra, plus one grave in perfect condition with artifacts such as a ceramic tripod, a double-bellied ceramic bottle and a bronze belt buckle inside a funerary urn.

Nevertheless, last year marked the beginning of new research at Pintia: the excavation of its defensive wall, 1 kilometer long and 7 meters wide (see photo below). Remains measure around 1.3 meters high, but we estimate that the original reached 6 meters. The ditches and trenches surrounding the wall are providing a lot of organic material, which means we will be using different excavation techniques than those used in the necropolis.

This coming summer the plan is to excavate an adjacent area in the necropolis. A second group will continue work at the city wall.

In addition to the excavation and lab work, there will be a number of seminars and workshops related to the fieldwork.

Highlights

The Pintia crew will also tour some interesting historical attractions in the region. We believe that visiting these sites is essential to understanding the context of the archaeological work at Pintia. These excursions are included in the program costs. Visits may vary depending on your participation dates and the excavation schedule.

- Penafiel: Medieval town and castle
- Penaranda de Duero and the Roman city of Clunia.
- Capital city of Valladolid: Cathedral, National Sculpture Museum
- La Olmeda Roman villa
- Medieval town of Salamanca
- Capital City of Burgos: Cathedral, archaeological museum, Cartuja de Miraflores
- Canoeing down the Duero River

Travel Types

• Archaeology
• Eco Tours
• Heritage Tourism
• Photography
• Student Tours
• Volunteering
• Language Immersion
• Overland Tours

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

Previous fieldwork experience and Spanish language abilities are not required to join the field crews. All we ask is that applicants share a desire to learn about Spanish history and culture.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

USD 2,450 per session

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- full room and board
- medical insurance
- seminars and workshops
- Pintia literature
- excursions
- airport pick-up/drop-off
- application fee and administrative costs.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A university student (undergraduate or graduate) studying Archaeology

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 15

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

One week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

ArchaeoSpain's Mission Statement

ArchaeoSpain is an educational organization founded in 2001 by a group of archaeologists and teachers with the goal of providing an opportunity for people from all over the world to participate in scientific research important archaeological excavations in Spain and Italy. We are committed to furthering cultural exchange and experience in archaeology.

Year Founded

2001