Since the onset of navigation San Vito lo Capo’s bay (Sicily) and the surrounding area played a fundamental role first as harbouring site and later as trade and production centre.
Both terrestrial and maritime finds have confirmed a local human presence since prehistoric times and have show how this peninsular area of the Sicilian coastline became a vital link in the routes of Mediterranean sea trade.
Between 1988 and 2008 a number of research campaigns that combined both local and international expertise were conducted in the area and revealed several underwater archaeological sites.
Following the initial scientific work, the first field school project was also started in 1992, allowing for students, professionals, and amateurs of all levels to learn through participation in the discovery, excavation, and recording of archaeological material.
Research started then once again in 2013, with the creation of the on-going San Vito lo Capo Underwater Project. Utilizing the latest technological methods, this project is in the process of completing a systematic survey of the seabed around areas that were subjected to past campaigns as well as of some new sites, utilizing the latest technological techniques.
Under the supervision of professional archaeologists the field school has also been reopened, to students and graduates in archaeology, architecture, marine biology, geology, and also to professionals or amateurs wanting to increase their working experience and knowledge of underwater archaeological sites.
Next summer there will be two Underwater Archaeology Field Schools, divided into two or three week-long sessions, one between the 10th and the 23rd of June and one between the 2nd and the 22nd of September.
For info about application and prerequisites click here.
page translated by Marta Paccani marta.paccani@gmail.com
