This summer, the Balkan Heritage Field School brought together learners and specialists in archaeology, conservation, and heritage documentation across the Balkans – Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. Here’s what we explored:

Underwater Archaeology in the Black Sea (Bulgaria) – Diving into maritime heritage at ancient Mesambria.   

“Fresco-Hunting” Photo Research Expedition – Documenting medieval Balkan church interiors.   

Workshops for Conservation (Greece & Bulgaria):

Metal (Zakynthos) – Hands-on techniques and scientific analysis (XRF, XRD) for preserving metal artifacts.    

Paper – Two-week training on preserving archival and paper materials.    

Textiles – Conservation techniques for historical fabrics and textiles    

Ancient Greek Pottery – Practical training in documenting and preserving ceramic finds.    

Roman Glass – Training in the conservation of historical glass artifacts.   

Archaeology of Apollonia Pontica (Bulgaria) – Excavations at the ancient Greek city.   

Stobi Excavations (North Macedonia) – Exploring Roman and Late Roman urban life.   

Bones of the Past: Zooarchaeology (Bulgaria) – Studying animal remains in archaeology.   

North Macedonia Workshops:

Roman Pottery – Conservation of authentic Roman–Late Roman vessels from Stobi.    

Photogrammetry & 3D Archaeological Recording – Techniques for documenting heritage in 3D.

Physicochemical Analysis of Metal & Ceramics (Greece) – Applying science to heritage materials.   

Excavations:

Tell Yunatsite (Bulgaria) – Early European civilizations 

Amzabegovo (North Macedonia) – Neolithic farming communities 

Pistiros (Bulgaria) – Ancient Greek–Thracian emporion   

A Collective Achievement

We are deeply grateful to all participants, instructors, partner institutions, and local communities for making this season a success. Together, we uncovered stories of the past and strengthened our shared commitment to cultural heritage.

Stay tuned: the 2026 season dates will be announced in November!