Archaeology in Greece

 

This program offers students the opportunity to participate in an archaeological excavation in Greece with Pitt faculty. Greece provides an immersive learning experience in its ancient history and modern culture, from iconic temples and museum to distinctive music, food, hospitality, landscape, beaches, and people. Corinth was a major trade hub and a center of artistic innovation, with its port at Lechaion linking Greece with the wider Mediterranean world. Excavations undertaken at the site by the Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project (LHSLP) since 2016 have revealed extensive Roman occupation at the site, yielding valuable insights into the period of Roman conquest in Greece. The Pitt Archaeology in Greece program joins the LHSLP Archaeological Field School, which provides practical, hands-on training in archaeological field methods and guided tours of nearby sites and museums. LHSLP is a joint Greek-American project that works closely with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture to excavate, preserve, and publish its findings. Students will have the opportunity to learn from LHSLP’s interdisciplinary and international team of scholars and specialists while traveling and enjoying other parts of Greece in their free time.

Come get your hands dirty and help uncover new parts of the ancient past!

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to:

  • explore and implement archaeological field methods 
  • gain hands-on experience with active excavations
  • synthesize ancient history with modern culture 

The program is based in the Corinthia region of Greece, located approximately 1.5 hours south of the nation’s capital at Athens and easily accessible by train, bus, or car. Excavations take place at the site of Lechaion, the port of ancient Corinth, while the LHSLP team’s accommodations are in the nearby village of ancient Corinth. Lechaion is a beach town where local families spend their evenings and weekends swimming and eating at the tavernas (restaurants) on the water. Ancient Corinth is a major tourist destination in Greece because of the ancient site there, including the Temple of Apollo. While ancient Corinth has tavernas, grocery stores, shops, and other amenities, the nearby city of modern Corinth has even more amenities. The project has strong ties with the local Greek community, offering students the opportunity to engage in village life in ancient Corinth to gain a better understanding of the vibrant modern culture of Greece while learning about its ancient history.

Where You'll Live: 

Students will stay in shared apartments in the village of ancient Corinth, located approximately a ten minute walk from the village center. 

You can expect the following for your accommodations:

  • shared apartments (typically 2-3 students per bedroom)
  • typically 3-5 students per apartment
  • linens and towels are provided
  • shared bathroom
  • shared kitchenette, including dishes for use
  • A/C
  • Wi-Fi

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change. Contact your program manager with any questions. 

 
What You'll Study: 

All students will take the same 3.0 credit course. The course will be taught by Pitt faculty, Dr. Maggie Beeler, and other LHSLP staff and will include hands-on instruction in archaeological field methods, interpretive strategies, artifact analysis, as well as guided tours of ancient sites and museums. Speak to your academic advisor about the applicability of these credits towards a major, minor, or certificate. 

Introduction to Mediterranean Archaeology (CLASS0600)

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Specific Geographic Region General Education Requirement

This course introduces students to the study of the ancient Mediterranean world from its material remains. Students gain hands-on experience in archaeological method and theory by participating in active excavations at Lechaion, the Roman-period port of ancient Corinth in Greece. The four-week archaeological field school is part of the Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project (LHSLP), which has been investigating the site since 2016 through an interdisciplinary program of survey, excavation, and specialist studies. In addition to developing practical skills in field archaeology, students gain a background in the ancient history and culture of Greece through visits to archaeological sites and museums in the region. Students are also introduced to specialist studies, including artifact conservation, ceramic analysis, numismatics, zooarchaeology, and archaeobotany. The course begins with a survey of ancient Greek historical developments from the Bronze Age (ca. 3000-1100 BCE) to the period of Roman occupation (ca. 31 BCE – 300 CE) before introducing archaeological method and theory, including excavation techniques and interpretive strategies.

Syllabus:
PDF icon Download Syllabus_CLASS0060_SU24.pdf (3.3 MB)

Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project (LHSLP) is Pitt's partner for this program. LHSLP is a non-profit corporation which focuses on excavation and study of the area of Corinth, Greece. More information about the LHSLP can be found at their website. 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Lauren Perri

Hi! I'm Lauren, Program Manager for Arts & Sciences students. As an undergraduate student, I studied abroad in Marburg, Germany. Since then, my career in international education has taken me to many locations around the world. Particularly, I have an affinity for Florence, Italy. There is nothing quite like the challenge of navigating a new city, country, and culture! Let's chat about global experiences.

E-mail: 
lap140@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways! 

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email at lap140@pitt.edu

Your In-Country Contacts: 

Professor Maggie Beeler

Professor Maggie Beeler is the Pitt Archaeology in Greece Faculty Director and the LHSLP Field School Director. A field archaeologist specializing in Greek prehistory, she has lived in Greece and worked on several excavations, including as trench supervisor and field school instructor for the program’s affiliated excavation, LHSLP, in 2016 and 2023. Professor Beeler has a PhD in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology from Bryn Mawr College and taught ancient Mediterranean history, art, and archaeology at various schools in Philadelphia before joining the Pitt Classics faculty in 2022. Her teaching focuses on global approaches to the ancient Mediterranean world that consider cross-cultural interactions with the Near East and Egypt and social differences, especially ancient concepts of race and ethnicity. She teaches a variety of course in ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology at Pitt and looks forward to introducing students to Greek archaeology beyond the classroom in Greece.

E-mail: 
mbb81@pitt.edu

 

Items Billed by Pitt
  In-State Out-of-State
Program Fee $3,099.00 $3,299.00
Pitt GEO Admin Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt $3,399.00 $3,599.00

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare $2,000.00
Meals and Personal Expenses $1,000.00 
Passport $160

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our Budgeting page for more information. The above estimates are estimates.

 

What's Included: 

As part of your Archaeology in Greece program fee, the following are included:

  • international health insurance
  • shared accommodations 
  • tuition for 3.0 credits
  • breakfast, plus a food stipend for lunch and dinner
  • local transportation to/from excavation sites
  • field trips to archaeological sites and museums (including entrance fees)
  • welcome and farewell celebrations
When You'll Go: 

This is a 4 week program. There are two back-to-back sessions offered. Session 1: May 25-June 22. Session 2: June 22-July 20. You will select which session you plan to attend after acceptance. 

What Else You Need to Know: 

There are no academic prerequisites for this program but previous experience with archaeology and ancient Mediterranean studies is preferred.

Applicants will meet with Faculty Director to discuss eligibility for this program.

Please note that the application due date for this program is earlier than most other summer programs. Eligible applicants will be required to interview with the faculty director after the application deadline. Students will be contacted in early January to arrange an interview.

NOTE: There are two 4 week sessions for this program. Accepted students will need to select which session they will attend.

 

You're seeing student-submitted photos from Greece. There may be photos that do not necessarily represent this program or it's inclusions, but we hope you enjoy seeing what Panthers around the world are doing!