NMC261Y: Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia

The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Program Expedition (GRAPE) is an international multidisciplinary research project investigating the emergence of farming economies in the South Caucasus and the development of local Neolithic, Chalcolithic & Early Bronze Age cultures.  GRAPE investigates the Near Eastern influence on the development of local lifeways and, conversely, the influence of  Caucasia on the Near East. The GRAPE project provides a unique opportunity to receive intensive training in archaeological field and survey methods at Neolithic through Early Bronze Age sites. Our fieldwork will include work at Gadachrili Gora, a Neolithic Shulaveris Shomu site, with evidence of the world’s earliest wine.

NMC261Y: Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia

 

This course is designed as a general practicum and training program in archaeological field methods. As a field course, emphasis will be placed on active participation in ongoing research by the Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) in the Republic of Georgia. Students will receive extensive training in archaeological excavation and survey methods, survey procedures, the preliminary process of processing artifacts, and experimental archaeology – recreating ancient artifacts and lifeways. Weekly field trips explore the archaeology and culture of the region, which will supplement the primary focus on fieldwork experience. 

This course is a university level credit, NMC261Y: Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia, through the University of Toronto to students who complete the archaeology training program. To receive credit, students must participate in all field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Students must also submit all course assignments. NMC261Y fulfills the field requirement for the Archaeology Specialist Degree in the Department of Anthropology at the U of T. No prior field experience in necessary. Credits are transferable. 

A non-credit version of the course will be available. This option is for those interested in the archaeology training program, that do not wish to receive a credit. Course participants will be included in the NMC261Y activities: field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Course participants may submit assignments, if they chose. 

Field Session (6 weeks): May to June, 2024 (The exact dates will be determined.)

Dr. Stephen Batiuk is currently a Research Associate in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations and the Archaeology Centre of the University of Toronto. With more than 20 years of fieldwork experience he has participated in over 12 different archaeological projects from CRM (Cultural Resource Management) work in Canada to projects in Ethiopia, Turkey, Israel,  Romania, France and Georgia.  His more recent publications and research are focused on understanding the origins of wine production in  Transcaucasia (specifically Georgia) but perhaps more importantly, the spread of this early Georgian wine culture across the entire Near East and eventually the rest of the world.  Dr. Batiuk brings a well developed skills in landscape and materials analysis, particularly ancient ceramics.

Dr. Khaled Abu Jayyab received his PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology in 2019 at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the role of human mobility and interaction in shaping communities in the late prehistory. His interests include landscape archaeology, the archaeology of mobility, communities of practice, and ceramic analysis. Khaled has conducted archaeological research across the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, and Jordan) in addition to Canada and France. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Jackman Humanities Institute at the University of Toronto and co-directing archaeological survey and excavations focused around the site of Gadachrili and Shulaveris Gora.

NMC261Y “Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia” – University of Toronto Credit

Includes Registration and Tuition fee for University of Toronto 1.0 credit course;  Instructors, specialized lectures, one-on-one instruction with professional archaeologists and evaluations.

  • Field Project Fee: $3,500

Includes all meals with the project, accommodations in Marneuli, transportation to and from the airport (or Tbilisi city centre), transportation to and from the field, equipment in the lab and field; field trips and overnight accommodations.

Please submit your application: https://grape.utoronto.ca/application/

  • Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
  • Location: Room BF200B (Conference Room),  Bancroft Building (4 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 1C1)

For more information,

 

Key Facts Before Your Departure

 

Entry Requirements/Visas

Canadians do not require a tourist visa to enter Georgia. Non-Canadians need Visitor’s visa (NOT student visa)
–Obtaining correct documentation is the full responsibility of the participant
–Make sure you have visas for all countries you plan to visit or travel through

Accommodation/Meals

Accommodation in a farmhouse /Shared accommodations/ bathrooms (single gender)
Laundry facilities on premises

All weekday and most fieldtrip meals will be provided throughout your participation in GRAPE
You are responsible for meals during travel on your free days

Transportation

Students will be picked up at the airport upon arrival. Onsite staff will arrange for transportation to the residence.

Fundamental Costs You Should Anticipate

  • Airfare
  • Other Expenses
    • Medical Travel Insurance
    • Personal expenses: Georgian SIM Card
    • Independent Meals
    • Snacks and Ingredients
    • Miscellaneous Expenses
    • Personal Field Gear (Boots, trowel, sun protection) 

 

Key Facts After Enrolled in the Program

 

Essential Information Checklist for the Program