Some of the team of Otago archaeology students and graduates excavating in Spain, with the exterior wall of a Roman amphitheatre in the background. Clockwise from left: India Quedley, Sarah Baker, Joëlle den Toom, Eden Logan, and Hannah Moffat.
A team of Otago archaeology students and graduates are excavating in Mérida, Spain, in the city’s iconic Roman theatre and amphitheatre.
These monuments were part of Augusta Emerita, a Roman colony founded by Roman Emperor Augustus in 25 BC. Today, it is one of the largest and most extensive archaeological sites in Spain.
The group of 14 students and graduates is led by Dr Dan Osland, from the Classics programme at Otago, whose research focuses on the Roman and post-Roman city of Mérida.
Dan says he is grateful for the support he has received from the University, through a research grant and research leave.
“The University has given me a really wonderful opportunity to advance a research agenda in Roman Spain while also training up a fantastic team of enthusiastic volunteers. Our biggest challenge will be dealing with the heat, which has already topped out at 42°C.”
The trip is in collaboration with the Consortium of Mérida, which is responsible for managing the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida. Exciting discoveries continue to be made at the site, and the city is host to extensive exhibitions, seminars and a National Museum of Roman Art.
Through this collaboration with the Consortium, the Otago students have the opportunity to learn about the archaeological methodology used at the site and participate in the city’s wider heritage activities.
The Roman theatre and amphitheatre are still operating after 2,000 years and host the International Classical Theatre Festival through the summer. This means the Otago group will also experience classical theatre in its original setting during their July visit.
The group’s visit has been reported on in Mérida.
Read: 14 archaeology students from New Zealand are excavating in Mérida thanks to a project by the University of Otago (merida.es)
Watch: video from Canal Extremadura