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Experimental Archaeology & Beer Production

Kissonerga, Cyprus

HARP will be running an Experimental Archaeology Field School in the village of Kissonerga, Cyprus in August 2012.  
The Field School aims to recreate an installation that was likely used for beer production in the Middle Bronze Age.  The original structure has been excavated as part of a research excavation run by Dr. Lindy Crewe of the University of Manchester since 2007.

The site of Kissonerga-Skalia is a Middle Bronze Age settlement that has revealed a series of domestic dwellings that were superseded by a phase of monumental construction.  The village of Kissonerga is incredibly rich in archaeological sites with some of the worlds oldest Neolithic wells, the Chalcolithic settlement of Kissonerga-Mosphillia, as well as the settlement of Skalia.  The original installation was constructed out of mud plaster and would have originally had a domed roof.  The structure contained a series of pot lined pits and a sunken fire pit that would have heated the main chamber of the structure.


During beer production partially germinated or malted grains are added to water and heated to make a 'mash' and wort, a sticky viscous liquid.  Following this stage the fermentation process can begin.  Prior to making the 'mash' the germination process of the grains needs to be stopped, this is usually done by drying the grains rapidly.  It is believed that the heat generated within the main chamber of the installation at Skalia would be sufficient to dry out the germinated grains before making the 'mash' and adding to water in order to produce beer.  The aim of the Field School is therefore to recreate the installation to a working level in order to produce a beer using techniques dating back to the Middle Bronze Age.

                           
                        The Beer Installation at Skalia

The Field School will run over a period of two weeks from 14th to 25th August 2012.  Participants will learn and apply experimental archaeology building techniques in order to recreate a fully functional installation.  Alongside this participants will also be provided with practical workshops that will teach them archaeological recording techniques, as well as visiting a number of local sites and seminars that will put their work into the context of the local archaeological record and the archaeology of Cyprus as a whole.

Accommodation will be provided at the Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, located 4km north of Paphos and in the village next to Kissonerga.  Mattresses and blankets will be provided for sleeping on the roof of the dig house under grape vines and the stars.  Participants will need to bring their own bedding/sleeping bags and can bring tents if greater privacy is required, however open air sleeping is recommended due to the heat.  Food will be provided in the form of on site picnic lunches and evening meals on work days.  The dig house has full cooking facilities and there is a local supermarket and a number of nearby tavernas for days off.  All transport to and from site and on site visits will be provided, airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Costs:

Costs for the Field School are £380 (sterling) per person and participation is required for the full two weeks.  Costs include all course fees, transport to and from site and on site visits, accommodation, and food on work days.  Transport to and from Cyprus is not included.  A non-refundable 50% deposit is required on acceptance to secure your place.  Participants will also need to bring spending money for personal expenses, food and transport/activities on days off.

During the summer temperatures can reach up to 38 degrees and the climate is humid, so be prepared! We are however only a stones throw away from the Mediterranean, a great way to relax after a day in the sun, heat and mud! 
                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Overhead View of Installation

Contact us for more information and an application form!