Fun in the Forum

In 123 B.C. the army of the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered the island of Majorca and, in 70 B.C., founded the city of Pollentia on the northern side of the island. The city thrived for the next 500 years but was then abandoned in the fifth century A.D., following the general decline of the Roman Empire.

The ruins of the Roman city, in the modern town of Alcudia, are the best-preserved Roman remains on the island of Majorca. The site was discovered in the 17th century and systematic research started in the 1930s. So far, archaeologists have uncovered three main areas: a residential quarter, the city forum and the theater. For scholars and researchers, these remains provide vital clues into the spread of Roman culture in the Balearic Islands.

This season, volunteers will help excavate the city’s forum, the center of Roman life and culture at Pollentia. In previous seasons, the excavations, led by Dr. Margarita Orfila, have uncovered parts of the forum’s main temple and the area’s commercial district. On the dig, you'll learn the basics principles of archaeological excavation and theory and will also have the chance to travel around this historic and beautiful island. The dig welcomes high school volunteers in grades 11 and 12. Participants will stay two to three to a room in a hotel in the medieval town of Alcudia. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a television.