27 October 2020
Underwater Archaeology in Sanitja harbor & Dig in the Roman city of Sanisera (Menorca, Spain)
The Sanisera Archaeology Institute offers a new course consisting of three main parts: underwater archaeology, photogrammetry with Agisott PhotoScan 3D and archeological fieldwork in the city of Sanisera.
The ancient Roman city of Sanisera is located on a natural harbor. For this reason, we are lucky that the land excavations and the underwater activities take place in the same area, allowing us to develop projects in the terrestrial and marine environment, using different methodologies and techniques with a great team of professionals and experts.
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.
Also, you can learn from the beginning excavation techniques and methodology. During the excavation, you will find archaeological remains from the classical period including Roman pottery, amphorae, glass, etc. that you will learn how to identify in the laboratory.
Course leader
Fernando Contreras
Target group
During the course, we will register archaeological materials (amphora, anchors, fine tableware) using pictures and following the standard photogrammetry procedures, afterwards we will learn to handle the information in order to create 3D graphic models using Agisoft PhotoScan Professional software.
The research is focused on the archaeological excavation of Sanisera and it studies what happened in this Roman port connected to the maritime traffic that sailed the Mediterranean during those times. As a result, we know that this is a very interesting archaeological site, with abundant findings of multiple artifacts that will help us to reconstruct its past.
The excavation at the Roman city of Sanisera provides all the archaeological documentation necessary for the student to acquire enough training and experience in all aspects involving an excavation of the Roman civilization from the II century B.C. to the VI A.D.
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 1200: 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 )