Training

An excavation laboratory operates at a short distance from the site of Toumba.The study group of the excavation from the School of History and Archaeology, AUTh, carries out the study of the findings, while students are also trained in the documentation and study of the archaeological material.

More specifically, during each excavation period, students are trained in excavation methodology as well as in the processing and the recording of pottery and small findings, in floatation and the examination of soil samples for archaeological plant remains, in drawing pottery and small findings and in stratigraphy and planning design. Finally, students learn how to record findings in electronic databases, but also how to digitize the drawings of the findings in graphic design software.

The laboratory includes appropriately designed areas as well as the required equipment (stereoscopes, mini photography studio, computers, printers, scanners) for the study of pottery, small findings, animal and human bones, malacological material etc. It also hosts the comparative collection of animal bones preserved by the Department.

Various events are held in the laboratory during the excavation period:

•  meetings concerning the writing of the excavation journals and the discussion of the findings in the trenches, for the students to learn not only how a journal entry is done, but also how the strategy of each trench excavation is formed.
  
  
•  training seminars by Greek and foreign professors, specialised archaeologists and Ph.D. candidates on issues regarding the methodology of archaeology.