Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Discover Amphora & Shipwrecks in the Underwater Port of Sanitja (Menorca, Spain)

when 1 May 2020 - 19 October 2020
language English
duration 25 weeks
credits 10 EC
fee USD 750

The Sanisera Archaeology Institute for International Field Schools offers annual programs in archaeology. This course is designed for students from around the world interested in studying abroad, gaining knowledge in Roman cities, classical archaeology and underwater archaeology.
Over the past eight years, The Underwater School in Archaeology has researched the ancient port of Sanitja via an intensive survey program. We have discovered 18 Roman shipwrecks with cargo, including amphorae, and more than 10 anchors from different time periods.
The Sanisera Archaeology Institute offers an underwater archaeology course consisting of two main parts: Explore the Ancient Roman Port of Sanitja and record underwater archaeological objects using photogrammetry with Agisoft PhotoScan 3D.
During this course, you will learn how to identify archaeological remains on the seabed. In the laboratory, you will learn how to classify archaeological material found and how to determine dates and methods used to determine the location and elements of the cargos from shipwrecks. Students will also gain experience in the handle of 3D images from sunken objects.
After finishing this course, the training and experience gained will help you to decide if underwater archaeology is the area of research that you wish to focus on or if you want to continue on with underwater archaeology as a future profession.
The water is very clear in Menorca, with an astonishing visibility, often up to 18 to 20 meters. The water is calm and mild in temperature and currant, allowing for excellent diving conditions in a natural and pristine Mediterranean atmosphere.
Previous knowledge or experience in archaeology or computer systems is not required.

Course leader

Fernando Contreras

Target group

During this course, you will learn how to identify archaeological remains on the seabed. In the laboratory, you will learn how to classify archaeological material found and how to determine dates and methods used to determine the location and elements of the cargos from shipwrecks. Students will also gain experience in the handle of 3D images from sunken objects.

Course aim

This course offered by the Sanisera Archaeology Institute is designed to teach with precision this field of research. If you are interested in learning underwater survey techniques and methodology and apply them in a Roman port where you will find amphorae, anchors and the remains of shipwrecks, then this is a good option for you.

Fee info

USD 750: Course fee includes

• Accommodation in the Student Residency in Ciutadella. Two to six per room.
• Walking distance to the historic center, port and beaches.
• Course tuition.
• Learning of Agisoft PhotoScan software.
• A complete set of diving equipment: wetsuit, jacket, mask, fins, diving booties, tanks and weights.
• Daily transportation to/from the archaeological fieldwork.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Accident insurance at the site.
• In case of needing to process Schengen Visa the mandatory letter of invitation will be written so you can travel and participate in our courses.
• Certificate of participation

Airfare not included from the student home to/from Menorca (Spain).

Open Water Diving certificate (PADI) not included in the course fee. You can get the certificate with our Diving Center collaborator for only $400. (contact us for further information at info@archaeology.institute )