As “dig” 2012 comes to a close I look back on what has been a fantastic “holiday”, yes holiday.
6:30am starts on site, second breakfast at 9:30am sitting on a block of limestone looking at the cavea, hot days, warm nights, dusty trenches, trowel RSI and not to forget – pot washing!. And that was all before 3pm. But yes a holiday.
As a novice to archaeology I have had the most amazing time in Trench 12A, uncoverering the history, the phases of use and through pottery, coins,marble etc the lifestyles of those who had walked the way of the Roman Road, or enjoyed a performance at the Paphos Theatre on Fabrika Hill. On any day we trowel away pottery from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Medieval periods. Glass fragments, Marble pieces and bone. Parts of the Roman road, huge limestone blocks and terracotta drains all tell part of the story that is the Paphos Theatre.
I am now also reasonably confident I can tell the difference between a piece of amphorae and a piece of medieval cooking ware. Thanks to Holly and Smadar.
As a team we have enjoyed the “down” time as well with Harbour swims in cool but clear waters, Trivia nights, tours led by the team specialists to the Tombs of the Kings, the mosaics in the Archaeology Park and the Saranta Kolones.
And not to forget the topic on most people’s mind “food”, we have enjoyed the very best of the local taverna’s and not to forget Zorba’s, a favourite of all team members.
So to conclude yes a fantastic holiday shared with a diverse but great bunch of students, archaeologists, and field specialists all led by Craig our dig Director, along with Kerry, Rhian and Ronan our trench leaders.
If given the opportunity I would love to return to Paphos and join the team in revealing more of this theatres fascinating story.
- Annette