Past Horizons Magazine – Issue 9 – August

Issue 9

David and Maggie (editors) would like to welcome you to the latest edition of Past Horizons Online

Journal of volunteer archaeology and training

Past Horizons Magazine – Issue 9 – August

Back as a quarterly journal, and packed with amazing articles and ideas for volunteering in archaeology around the world.

The magazine is now available here:

http://en.calameo.com/books/0000627297fcccc634fd5

with new cutting edge flip page technology and embedded videos, as well as live links taking you straight to websites with more information. (you will need a fairly up to date computer)

If you can’t use this for whatever reason, we have also uploaded a simpler PDF version here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/18505221/Past-Horizons-Issue-9-Aug-2009?classic_ui=1

You can now explore the world of Past Horizons on google earth – just use this kmz file (you must have google earth installed)

http://www.pasthorizons.com/magazine/PastHorizonsAug09.kmz

Now see what you are missing.

Editorial

Rocky adventures in Croatia and Scotland.

News stories from around the world.

Fresco Hunting in Western Bulgaria

Since 2008 Balkan Heritage has been cataloguing beautiful Orthodox frescoes found in the crumbling remains of mediaeval churches and monasteries in western Bulgaria. With the help of volunteers they aim to bring these frescoes to the attention of the world.

Zulu

The eMakhosini valley in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is known as the Valley of the Zulu Kings. Here, two local legends are being explored concerning the Ngobese Zulu and the Siblikeni Homestead of King Senzangakhona.

Starting Out

A group of like-minded Brislington residents in the UK get together to form their own archaeology project.

The Looting of Ratiaria

The tragedy of the wholesale looting of an ancient Roman city in north western Bulgaria.

Time Team America

A look at the five-part series of the brand new Time Team America.

Dig In

A selection of archaeological volunteer digs and field schools for 2009/2010.

Dig Cook

Culinary escapades from Annie

Viewpoint

David Connolly discusses the benefits of viewing the familiar with a fresh pair of eyes.

Back Pages

Indiana Jones and the world of advertising.

Archaeological excavation affected by war in Georgia

Walls of Nokalakevi

The University of Winchester’s Department of Archaeology has been deeply affected by the outbreak of war in Georgia. A team of British archaeologists had been on an expedition to Georgia to excavate a site in rural Mingrelia, near the city of Senaki, shortly before the hostilities began. All of the team returned before the war started, however they fear for the safety of their Georgian colleagues.The British team, part of the Anglo-Georgian Expedition to Nokalakevi (AGEN) co-directed by University of Winchester archaeologist Dr Paul Everill, included 10 students from universities across the UK and seven experienced archaeological and specialist staff. AGEN takes British students annually to Georgia to excavate alongside Georgian archaeologists, students and volunteers.

“Fortunately, the last of our British team had left the day before the conflict began – but we are still deeply concerned for our colleagues and friends living in Georgia,” explained Dr Everill, who has been Co-Director of AGEN since 2002.

Dr Everill directed the recent excavation, which ran from 4 July-1 August at the historic fortified site of Nokalakevi, Mingrelia. The conflict first broke out on 7 August.

“We were aware of heightened military activity during the recent excavation, but we did not feel particularly threatened,” Dr Everill commented. “It was obvious there was a fair bit of tension, but there was no way of knowing what was about to happen. We have recently started to get word from our colleagues in Georgia. An email on the 20 August said that Russian troops have actually been in Nokalakevi itself, but the picture is far from complete and very worrying.”

Paul Everill recording trench at Nokalakevi

Earlier this summer, the University of Winchester began working with the Georgian Archaeology Commission to help set new standards and programme specifications for archaeology courses at Georgian universities. Dr Everill has been strengthening links between Winchester and Georgian universities over the past months, working towards future student placement schemes and Winchester’s growing involvement with AGEN.

“A small, regional museum in Nokalakevi houses much of the material that we have excavated over the years, and of course there is a concern the museum might become a target for looting,” Dr Everill said. “A few years ago £1,500 was raised to help repair the local museum and our ‘dig house’. It is heartbreaking to think that this good work might have been undone, but of course our main concern is for our friends and colleagues in Georgia.

“We are an expedition of archaeologists and historians, but we all share a love of Georgia, its culture and its people. We hope to find some way of raising whatever funds we can to eventually help the country rebuild.”