Dive into History

Come to the Spanish island of Menorca this spring or fall and participate in a truly unique dig experience—underwater!! For two weeks, under the guidance of trained underwater archaeologists from the Ecomuseum, you will be able to dive through the beautiful Cape of Cavalleria looking for submerged remains of the ancient Roman harbor of Sanitja. For over six centuries, Sanitja served as the port of nearby Sanisera, a city central to Roman commerce and trade in the Western Mediterranean. In addition to looking for the remains of the harbor, volunteers will also explore shipwrecks from Roman, medieval and modern times.

Participants will be grouped according to dive experience level (none/novice to fully certified) and field days will be spent between diving, lab work, lectures and excursions. By the end of the two-week field season, students will have practical experience in the methods and techniques of underwater archaeology, including site reconnaissance, recording, drawing and mapping, position fixing, photography and laboratory processing. Through lectures and excursions, participants will also learn about the history and culture of Menorca.

Volunteers will stay in the Ecomuseum’s air-conditioned student residency in nearby Ciutadella. Ciutadella is an enchanting little town with lively cafes and outdoor terraces nestled among narrow cobble stone streets.