EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN

Transcription

1 EARTHWATCH 2015 EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN Nicole Morrill Page 1 7/9/15Nicole Morrill Page 1 7/9/15

2 MESSAGES FROM EARTHWATCH DEAR EARTHWATCHER, Thank you for the interest you have shown in our research project at Arbeia Roman Fort at South Shields on the River Tyne in northeast England. My name is Nick Hodgson and I, with my colleagues Paul Bidwell and Alex Croom, have been excavating at South Shields, one of the most important Roman military sites in northern Britain, for over 20 years. In 2015, we will again be working in an area just outside the defensive wall of the Roman fort. We are digging part of the civilian settlement (vicus), which is poorly understood compared with the interior. From 1993 to 2014, Earthwatch volunteers have played an essential role in this project, impressing us with their skills and enthusiasm. The opportunity is now yours to take part in a research project which is revolutionizing our understanding of Hadrian s Wall and the Roman occupation of Britain. Almost everyone who comes to South Shields, besides getting a lot out of the project, finds that the Roman site is a pleasant and attractive place to work. It is set in a quiet residential area with views over the river Tyne and the North Sea. Shops, banks, and all conveniences are near to hand, and both the locals and the site staff are renowned for their hospitality. There will be an excursion to the most impressive stretches of Hadrian s Wall, along with a chance to visit some local museums. I am sure that besides finding our research project challenging and exciting, you will also be delighted with this fascinating northeastern part of Britain. Yours sincerely, Dr. Nick Hodgson, M.A., Ph.D., F.S.A. Lead Earthwatch Scientist DEAR EARTHWATCHER, Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science and conservation. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you re out in the field working toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, we ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning for over 40 years. You re in good hands. We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities not just out in the field, but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, and to transfer your skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, community, and home. If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition! Sincerely, Larry Mason President and CEO, Earthwatch 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION... 4 TRIP PLANNER... 5 EXPEDITION PACKING LIST... 6 THE RESEARCH... 7 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD... 9 ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD TRAVEL TIPS PROJECT CONDITIONS SAFETY PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDED READING EMERGENCY NUMBERS

4 GENERAL INFORMATION EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS Nick Hodgson, Archaeological Projects Manager Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Alex Croom, Keeper of Archaeology Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Paul Bidwell, Head of Archaeology Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums RESEARCH SITE Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields, Great Britain.. Please refrain from booking flights until you receive your complete rendezvous information, which will be sent to you upon request EXPEDITION DATES Team 1: Jun. 14 Jun. 27, 2015 Team 1a: Jun. 14 Jun. 20, 2015 Team 1b: Jun. 21 Jun. 27, 2015 Team 2: Jun. 28 Jul. 11, 2015 Team 2a: Jun. 28 Jul. 4, 2015 Team 2b: Jul. 5 Jul 11, 2015 TEEN Team 3*: Jul. 12 Jul. 25, 2015 Team 4: Jul. 26 Jul. 31, 2015 (no accommodations provided) Team 5: Aug. 9 Aug. 22, 2015 Team 5a: Aug. 9 Aug. 15, 2015 Team 5b: Aug. 16 Aug. 22, 2015 *Teen Teams are open to 15- to 18-year-olds (18-year-olds may participate if they finished their last year of high school in the previous school year). Teen Team participants will receive a separate expedition briefing. 16- and 17-year-olds may also participate on standard teams if accompanied by a parent or guardian. 4

5 TRIP PLANNER EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN TRIP PLANNER IMMEDIATELY Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch s Terms and Conditions. If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase when your expedition is booked. 90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your volunteer forms. Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition. Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning section for details). If traveling internationally, make sure your passport is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa for your destination country. 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for your project site. Review the Packing Checklist to make sure you have all the clothing, personal supplies and equipment needed. 30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with a relative or friend. Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets with a relative or friend. Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field. 5

6 EXPEDITION PACKING LIST EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN EXPEDITION PACKING LIST GENERAL This expedition briefing Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents Passport and/or visa (if necessary) Certification of vaccination (if necessary) Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary) CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK Earthwatch T-shirt Lightweight, quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts and pants/trousers Comfortable flat-soled shoes or sneakers/trainers for work indoors Well worn-in, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots Rain jacket/poncho Fleece jacket or jumper/pullover/sweater Gloves and hat for cold weather Sun hat CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE At least one set of clothing to keep clean for end of expedition and recreational time Comfortable shoes/trainers/slippers for the accommodations FIELD SUPPLIES Small daypack to keep your personal items together and dry Two one-liter water bottles Light work or gardening gloves Household rubber gloves Bandana PERSONAL SUPPLIES Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged) Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands while in the field) Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc.) and medications Spending money Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher OPTIONAL ITEMS Comfortable shoes to change into after conducting field work Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition Adapter and converter (if you are traveling from a country with a different voltage) for electrical appliances Dry bag or plastic sealable bags (e.g. Ziploc) to protect equipment like cameras from dust, humidity, and water Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time Earplugs for light sleepers Umbrella Walking poles Travel guide Knee pads for field work NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. 6

7 THE RESEARCH EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN THE STORY From the 1st to the 4th centuries AD, South Shields Roman Fort Arbeia to the Romans was a Roman military and civilian settlement and port of supply. The site is situated on a flat- topped hill on the northeast coast, with a commanding view of the mouth of the River Tyne. The fort was made part of the frontier defense system in AD 122 by the Emperor Hadrian, whose famous wall starts only four miles (6.5 kilometers) west of South Shields and runs for 80 Roman miles (74 miles/118 kilometers) across Britain. There are constantly new discoveries at the site, and we are producing a more detailed picture of the inside of a Roman military base of the 1st to 4th centuries than has ever been drawn before. RESEARCH AIMS Our project has been in operation since 1993 and continues to help us achieve our research goal: understanding the impact of the Roman Empire upon the Iron Age society of northern Britain and the changes that occurred in the lives of the inhabitants of the site over three centuries. Archaeologists still have very limited knowledge of the extent of what is buried here, so through our research, we aim to provide a more complete picture that can inform future plans for the management and conservation of the site. Earthwatchers have contributed to many important developments in our work; in 2010 we refocused our work on a new area situated outside of the southwest fort wall. This shift created an unrivalled opportunity to examine part of the civilian settlement (vicus) that we now know encroached up to this side of the fort, and to compare and contrast this with an area of the vicus excavated by Earthwatch teams in

8 Over the past four years, we have greatly advanced our knowledge of the vicus. We have just published the final report on an area of the vicus excavated by Earthwatch teams in 2002; evidence obtained from that area suggests a burst of activity between AD 210 and 260. We have uncovered evidence of timber buildings along roads in a part of the vicus that first developed at the time when Arbeia grew as the supply base for the campaigns of the emperor Septimius Severus (AD ). This area evidently arose to house traders and craftsmen who found a market among the supply wagons entering and leaving the supply base. Life in the vicus here was thought to have come to a sudden end around AD 260, when trade networks across the empire were disrupted during a period of military crisis and barbarian invasion. The new excavation area, however, has begun to produce a contrasting picture; we have found a stone commercial building and a road with underlying pits containing datable pottery that suggests that activity here continued into the fourth century. What we can see, therefore, is that the vicus got smaller in the late 3rd century AD, but it did not disappear. We also observed in 2010 and 2011 that the alignment of the ditches at the southwest side of the fort suggests that, rather than turning to enclose the corner of the fort, they may continue southeast to enclose an annex attached to that side of the fort. HOW YOU WILL HELP During the summer of 2015, fieldwork will consist of excavation and recording of Roman features within the area of evaluation trench. An Earthwatch team might, for example, be employed in the definition, recording, or environmental sampling of a Roman deposit or feature. Your Earthwatch team will be divided into groups of two or three, and each group will rotate, where possible, to such tasks as conducting stratigraphic excavation; using a trowel, brush, and mattock (similar to a pick axe); learning recording techniques, including elementary site surveying, sampling, cleaning, and planning and mapping; and completing post-excavation work, including processing of finds and wet-sieving of environmental material. You will spend about 80% of your time outdoors. Most of the work is slow and careful (cleaning, scraping, drawing, and measuring). The only strenuous activity will be removing soil from the excavation pit with a wheelbarrow. Participants in the two-week standard teams will have a chance to go on organized visits to some of the best-known, most informative, and visually attractive archaeological sites along Hadrian s Wall, with expert guidance. Finds from the two areas of the vicus have provided insights into the lives of its civilian inhabitants. These include a votive statuette, a finger ring incorporating a personal lock-key, a potsherd inscribed with a Greek female name (Galatea), and numerous shards of wine amphorae imported from Campania in Italy. Most spectacularly, Earthwatch volunteers in 2012 excavated the remains of a gold-andsilversmith s workshop. These finds establish that, although it is deeply buried and mostly overlain with modern buildings, it is likely that much of the entire plan of the vicus survives 8

9 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN The Earthwatch scientists pride themselves on the close integration and strong team spirit of staff, trainees, and volunteers at South Shields. In the summer months, the excavation team sometimes has evening outings to pubs, and in such surroundings volunteers from all corners of the globe are able to intermingle and get to know one another. Work on the site takes place on a regular daily basis, Monday to Friday. During the weekday evenings and for part of the weekend, when no work on site is being carried out, volunteers will have recreational time. On Saturday and Sunday the team will take a break from work and enjoy one of the following excursions: DRIVING POLICY If you have driven yourself to the project, you may not drive your own vehicle to, from, or for project activities, including for transporting project equipment. You may choose to use your own vehicle during recreational time, but know that all driving during recreational time is at your own risk. Earthwatch discourages you from transporting other participants during recreational time. Riding in another participant s vehicle is also done at your own risk; riding in other participants vehicles is not covered under their insurance policy for the expedition. TWO-WEEK TEAMS (TEAMS 1, 2, AND 5): At least one excursion will take place on a weekend to the best preserved part of Hadrian s Wall, and it is likely that the other excursion will be to a local museum. On the excursions, volunteers will be expected to pay their own museum admission where necessary, and to cover the cost of their lunch if a country pub is visited (approx. 15/US$24). Another option is to take the packed picnic lunch provided daily by the guesthouse. The one time entry cost to the Roman sites along Hadrian s Wall will be no more than 6/US$9 (approximate exchange conversions at time of writing). ONE-WEEK TEAMS (TEAMS 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 5A, AND 5B): The Hadrian s Wall Tour is not included in your itinerary; however it may be possible to join independently on a space available basis. If you choose to join the tour, please note that you will not officially be part of the Earthwatch team and as such will be responsible for your own insurance and accommodation arrangements to coincide with the tour. IMPORTANT: If you are on a B Team, please advise Earthwatch of your desire to join the tour, by clearly indicating this on your volunteer forms. Please also indicate if you do not wish to join the tour. At the end of the first week, volunteers may wish to arrange a farewell get together for A Team volunteers. At the finish of the standard two-week team, two-week team volunteers and B Team volunteers may also choose to have a farewell get together. 9

10 ITINERARY DAY 1 Rendezvous day. Tour of Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum. DAY 2 Health and safety briefing introduction to fieldwork. DAYS 3 6 Fieldwork, with some lectures. DAY 7 Organized trip to local museum. DAY 8 9 a.m. 6 p.m.: Hadrian s Wall tour. Please meet outside the team accommodations at the Seabreeze guesthouse on Ocean Road. The coach will depart promptly at 9 a.m. After the tour you will be taken back to Seabreeze DAY 9 Continue fieldwork. DAYS Fieldwork, with some lectures. TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at accommodations 8:45 a.m. Walk to project site 9:00 a.m. Arrive at the project site; daily update briefing and begin work (Tea break at 10:30 a.m.) 1:00 p.m. Lunch break 1:30 p.m. Continue work (3:13 p.m.) 4:45 p.m. Return to accommodations to relax and have evening meal TEAM 4 ITINERARY (6 DAYS) DAY 1 Rendezvous and introduction to site, optional team evening dinner DAY 2 Safety briefing and introduction to field work; free evening DAY 3 Fieldwork; evening lecture on research aims DAY 4 Day trip to Hadrian s wall; free evening DAY 5 Fieldwork; free evening DAY 6 Fieldwork, research round-up and debrief, and farewell event. Day ends at 5:00 p.m. DAY 13 Fieldwork and wrap-up, followed by a farewell event in the evening. DAY 14 Leave the project in the morning. 10

11 ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD SLEEPING You ll stay in one of two comfortable guesthouses near each other on Ocean Road in South Shields, just a couple of minutes walk from the seafront and town center and only a 10-minute walk from the site. Group size and mix at the guesthouses will depend on the number of volunteers on each team. We will make every effort to house team members at the main project accommodations. Project staff will tell you where you are staying when you arrive. The two options are: Seabreeze Guesthouse 79 Ocean Road South Shields, NE33 2JJ WEB: seabreeze-guesthouse.co.uk/ enquiries@seabreeze-guesthouse.co.uk TEL: +44 (0) or FAX: +44 (0) Seaways Guesthouse 91 Ocean Road South Shields, NE33 2JL enquiries@seaways-guesthouse.co.uk TEL: +44 (0) or FAX: +44 (0) When teams are too large to be accommodated in these two guesthouses, the overflow accommodations will be: Elmswood Guesthouse 77 Ocean Road South Shields, NE33 2JJ WEB: elmswoodguesthouse.co.uk info@elmswoodguesthouse.co.uk TEL: +44 (0) Contact details for the Elmswood Guesthouse are supplied for information only. Please do not contact them directly for reservations, as all project accommodation booking/ arrangements are made through Seabreeze Guesthouse. Single rooms are only available in exceptional cases at the accommodations. Volunteers should expect to share a room on this expedition. Due to limited availability, single requests can only be taken if volunteers need them for medical reasons. In these cases, singles will be an additional expense of 7.50 a night. Provision can be made for couples to have a double room on a space-available basis if Earthwatch is informed well in advance. Please also notify Earthwatch early if there are any special/ medical accommodation requirements. ELECTRICITY Rooms have electrical sockets (standard British three-pin plugs, 240-volt AC electricity you may need an adaptor). The guesthouse is run on sustainable principles, and we ask that you respect and adhere to these during your stay. Earthwatch is very pleased to be working with an accommodation provider that follows a policy similar to Earthwatch s sustainable field practices. Details of the guesthouse s sustainability guidelines are on the Ocean Hotels website: oceanhotels.co.uk. COMMUNICATIONS Wireless internet is available. FACILITIES AND AMENITIES All bathrooms have showers, and all bedrooms have TVs, DVD players, and tea- and coffee- making facilities. Bed linens and towels are provided, and a laundry service may be provided for an additional fee. DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE You ll stay in a comfortable guesthouse just a couple of minutes walk from the seafront and town center and only 10 minutes walk from the project site. Both guesthouses have a selection of double, twin, and family bedrooms, and most of these are suites. Rooms will be shared by volunteers of the same gender or in family groups if requested. Twin rooms will have two single beds, and the rooms are normally shared by two volunteers of similar age/background where possible. 11

12 TEAM 4 ACCOMODATIONS AND FOOD Accommodations will not be provided; you must make your own arrangements. You may stay at one of the guesthouses already mentioned, or you may choose to explore South Shields variety of accommodations options, there s something to suit all requirements, tastes, and budgets, many of which are close to the research site. You ll find hotels and guesthouses, short-term rental apartments with kitchen facilities, caravans (trailers), and camping sites. Please book something close enough that you can arrive on site on time each morning. Visit the official website for South Shields area (visitsouthtyneside.co.uk) or the official website for northeast England (visitnortheastengland.com/), or call the local tourist office at +44 (0) for a full list of inspected and rated accommodations in the area. Arranging all meals will be the responsibility of the volunteers, you may perhaps choose to eat together some evenings, There is a planned meal with the Earthwatch Scientists on your first night. You will be responsible for breakfast on your own, which you may choose to take at your accommodations. The research site provides facilities for lunch preparation and tea breaks in a port-a-cabin (modular building) for use by Earthwatch volunteers on site. This porta-cabin has kitchen facilities, drinking water, a hot water boiler and a refrigerator should you wish to store lunch items or packed lunches you bring with you each day. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks will be provided. There are shops close to the site where lunch items and snacks may be purchased. Alternatively there is a large, easily accessible superstore just outside South Shields center. Arbeia Roman Fort also has a museum shop, where ice cream, sweets, soft drinks, and bottled water can be purchased. All meals, including dinner together on the evening of Day 1, will be at your own expense. FOOD The guesthouses provide meals with locally sourced and free-range ingredients. Breakfast is provided to suit all tastes, and there will be a variety of traditional English home-cooked meals in the evening, including a vegetarian option. Every effort will be made to accommodate special diets if advance notice is given to Earthwatch. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:45 a.m. A packed lunch will be provided daily by your guesthouse. The research site provides facilities for lunch and tea breaks in a modular building for use by Earthwatch volunteers on site. This building has kitchen facilities, drinking water, a hot water boiler, and a refrigerator should you wish to store lunch items or packed lunches. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit juices will be provided. The gift shop at Arbeia Fort also sells a range of sweets, crisps (potato chips), ice creams, and bottled water. There is also a general provisions shop immediately adjacent to the research area. South Shields offers a wide choice of places to eat out. Whether you are looking for a snack, a pub meal, or a sit down five-course meal, you can find it. Of course, no seaside destination would be complete without the traditional fish and chips and seafood restaurants, which you will also find in town. Ocean Road in South Shields is particularly renowned throughout the region for its amazing array of restaurants, especially Indian restaurants, which offer unique dishes and excellent value for the money. Your evening meal at the guesthouse is included in the cost of your expedition, but if you wish to eat out, it will be at your own expense. Please inform the guesthouse staff well in advance if you plan to eat elsewhere one night. TYPICAL MEALS BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SNACKS BEVERAGES A selection of cereals; cooked breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, mushrooms, and tomatoes (vegetarian alternative available); toast with a selection of preserves; and fruit juices, tea, or coffee Sandwiches, buns, or wraps individually made each day with filling of your choice; crisps, biscuits, fruit A variety of home-cooked meals Various sweets/candy, biscuits, and crisps Tea, coffee (not espresso), hot chocolate, fruit juice, and soda. Cold tap water is fine to drink, although bottled water is available. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms. 12

13 TRAVEL TIPS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD YOUR DESTINATION LANGUAGE: English TIME ZONE: GMT. ELECTRICITY: 230/240 volts AC 50 Hz, three-pin UK style plugs. MONEY MATTERS LOCAL CURRENCY: Pounds sterling. PERSONAL FUNDS: There is a foreign exchange office in the airport, but volunteers are advised to bring some cash, credit ards and some pounds sterling or traveler s checks. There are plenty of ATMs in the vicinity of the research site, as it is an urban area. Approximately 100/US$150 will be needed for evening socializing in pubs or restaurants, rail, or bus travel on recreational days. Tipping in the range of 10% is usual in some restaurants with table service. Tipping is not expected in pubs. PASSPORTS AND VISAS Passport and visa requirements are subject to change. Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your home country for requirements specific to your circumstances. Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return ticket is required. Citizenship Passport Required? Visa Required? United States Yes No United Kingdom Yes No Europe Yes No Australia Yes No Japan Yes No If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process. CONTACT INFORMATION You may be required to list the following contact information on your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage does not make it to baggage claim at your destination: Nick Hodgson Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum Baring St. South Shields NE33 2BB +44 (0) Seabreeze Guesthouse 79 Ocean Road South Shields, NE 33 2JJ WEB: seabreeze-guesthouse.co.uk/ enquiries@seabreeze-guesthouse.co.uk TEL: (0191) or Fax: (0191)

14 PROJECT CONDITIONS THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT GENERAL CONDITIONS The research area lies 70 feet (21 meters) above sea level, and the climate is temperate and generally warm in the summer, but with a cooling sea breeze. However, as British summers are unpredictable, be prepared for hot, temperate, or chilly weather, as well as wind and rain. In all likelihood, it will rain at some point during your stay. Conditions are expected to vary within the ranges below. GENERAL CONDITIONS HUMIDITY: 50% 85% TEMPERATURE RANGE: (May and June) 50º 60º F (7º to -17º C) (August and September) 55º 68º F (13º to -20º C) RAINFALL: 4 inches (10 centimeters) per month ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: All participants must be able, independently or with the assistance of a companion, to: Follow verbal and/or visual instructions Enjoy being outdoors all day in temperatures ranging between C (58-77 F) and highly variable weather, which while generally temperate with a cool breeze, can be hot, rainy, or chilly Traverse uneven surfaces and ascend and descent the steps of an excavation site and possibly use ladders to access deeper pits Getting low enough to the ground to use trowels and brushes to carefully excavate items for periods of four to five hours a day Remain static for periods of three to four hours (morning and afternoon shifts) per day while drawing and processing finds (You can choose to spend all day on this work if you are unable to do the more physically demanding tasks) Closely examine objects and mark up finds using small, fine writing for up to four hours per day Spend up to four hours per day with hands immersed in warm water to wash pots (rubber gloves can be used as protection) Carry up to five kilograms (11 pounds) over short distances when emptying buckets of soil, carrying water and occasional boxes Push a wheelbarrow filled with excavated soil up steel ramps from the excavation pit, for up to 10 times a day, alternating with other volunteers Have enough strength to wield a mattock (similar to a pick axe) and a shovel for use in some excavation activities for periods of one to two hours a day (optional) Get up into and down out of a coach and ride, seated with seatbelt fastened, for the optional recreational trips Operate happily and safely for extended periods of time unsupervised or accompanied. Volunteers will be supervised during the project time; however, they will not be supervised by project staff outside of planned research and recreational time. Volunteers must carefully consider this project if being unaccompanied at certain times of day and during the night cause concern. 14

15 POTENTIAL HAZARDS EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN HAZARD TYPE Terrain ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS You may encounter rough or uneven ground, flagstones, potholes, and curbs in urban areas, especially while walking between the guesthouse and the research site. Take care while walking, especially in the evening and around museum excavation sites. Due to rough and uneven terrain at the excavation site, there is a risk of slips, trips, and falls. You ll receive a safety briefing on arrival, and should wear appropriate footwear with good grip. No running is allowed on the site, and be aware of where you are walking. Do not obstruct walkways and corridors, or leave tools, equipment, or personal bags in such places that could cause a hazard to others. There are three steps up to the building where finds are stored. There is also a risk of strains and sprains; again, wear strong, sturdy boots to help alleviate this risk. Please be aware of your own limitations. The excavation takes place in a pit; do not walk or sit on the sides of the excavation area. Not only will this prevent you from falling in, but it will protect those working alongside the walls of the pit and prevent dislodgement of materials that will confuse the stratigraphic layering of the site. Walking If you are joining the excursion out to Hadrian s Wall, there may be a two to three mile (three to five kilometer) hike including some short, steep hills. Some stretches of the Hadrian s Wall route are very steep and have deep rough steps which can be hard to climb if you have a knee condition. In inclement weather, these stretches can be slippery. Arrangements must be made to walk the lower, flatter stretches of the walk for volunteers who will have difficulty walking these sections. This hike is not mandatory; please inform the Earthwatch scientists if you are likely to experience any difficulty with the walk so that alternative arrangements can be made. 15

16 POTENTIAL HAZARDS EXCAVATING THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN BRITAIN Climate/Weather There is risk of sunburn and dehydration, so use sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water when working outdoors. Rain is also likely at some point, so you should bring waterproof clothing. The weather in the U.K. can be very changeable from warm to cold and wet conditions within the space of a few hours. Bring clothing for all weather types. Shelter will be available on site along with hot and cold drinks as required. Contact lens wearers should note that the site can be dry and dusty in the summer. Volunteers wearing contact lenses may find it more comfortable to wear glasses while excavating at the field site. Accommodations Project Tasks/ Equipment There is a risk of fire in all accommodations. On arrival participants will be given a safety briefing and instructed in what to do in the event of a fire. There are also steep steps in some of the accommodations, and participants should take care when ascending and descending to avoid slips and trips. Volunteers will spend time bending and kneeling while undertaking fieldwork; therefore, those with knee or back problems should exercise caution on the research site. If your mobility is severely limited, participation may be difficult or impossible. There may be occasions where heavier excavation is required for which volunteers may be taught to use mattocks (similar to pick axes), and there will be shoveling of the excavated soil and rubble, together with the pushing of filled wheelbarrows up ramps and away from the excavation pit. The correct procedure for manual handling when lifting heavy objects will be demonstrated and participants must follow instructions. Participants must ask for assistance when moving large items. Safety goggles will be worn for some activities and the correct use of mattocks will be demonstrated and must be adhered to. Participants should use gloves and kneeling pads. Volunteers should ensure they stretch and take regular breaks if working in constricted areas or in uncomfortable positions. There is minor risk of cuts and abrasions from stones, tools, etc. You may wish to bring gardening gloves to minimize risk. Submersion of hands in water for long periods during washing of finds may cause discomfort, and you may wish to bring household rubber gloves to protect your hands. Volunteers will be instructed to follow site protocol to keep their tools and belongings tidy on site. Personal Security Road and Rail Travel The area is urban, and there is public access to the grounds of the fort. You should be cautious regarding personal security. Keep valuable belongings close by and in secure bags, even at the research site. Participants will be briefed on personal security on arrival and should take care when walking around the town not to have valuables on display, avoid very crowded locations and quiet poorly lit streets. Participants will be given and should carry the phone number of the project scientists (and facilitators) at all times when not on site. Meeting points and actions to be taken if participants are separated from the group will be discussed prior to departure on recreational days. On the recreational days you will travel by mini bus, coach, or train. The usual risks of road/rail transport will be present. All minibuses/coaches are fitted with seatbelts and all passengers must wear them whenever the vehicle is in motion. There is a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the vehicle. The staff member leading the group will have a cell phone for communication. Coach drivers are fully qualified and experienced. Participants must only use recommended transport on the recreational days which has been checked for safety by the Earthwatch scientists. Pedestrian crosswalks should be used when available en route to/from the research site by the volunteers. 16

17 SAFETY HEALTH INFORMATION PROJECT VACCINATIONS REQUIRED: If traveling from countries or region where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination. EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD As part of a local authority museum, the project site has a full health and safety program and a regularly tested fire evacuation procedure. For minor injuries or illnesses that can t be dealt with at the site with first aid, several chemists, drugstores, and doctor s offices are nearby. In the case of a more serious emergency, an ambulance will be called or the volunteer will be taken to the hospital by car. Should a volunteer have to leave the expedition early for emergency reasons, project staff will drive the volunteer to the airport or train station in Newcastle. Note that volunteers may leave early ONLY in cases of emergency. IMMUNIZATIONS Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date (for example diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix Travel Oracle website through the Travel Assistance and Advice page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int for guidance on immunizations. PHYSICIAN, NURSE, OR EMT ON STAFF: Project staff members are not medical professionals. CPR: Terry Frain, all museum attendants FIRST AID: Terry Frain, all museum attendants NEAREST HOSPITAL AND CLINIC: South Tyneside District Hospital Harton Lane South Shields NE340PL TEL: +44 (0) WEB: For emergency assistance in the field, please contact Earthwatch s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service. 17

18 PROJECT STAFF YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST ALEX CROOM (B.A., F.S.A.) is a specialist in Roman-period finds and has published widely on aspects of archaeological finds, especially in the area of Roman pottery and costume. She manages post-excavation research and artifact study projects, including large-scale research projects such as the Hadrian s Wall ceramic database. Schedule: All teams. EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST NICK HODGSON (M.A., Ph.D., F.S.A.) is the archaeological projects manager at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. He has excavated on many sites on the northern frontier in Britain, and has published numerous excavation reports and articles about Roman Britain and the Roman frontiers, as well as gaining his Ph.D. in the same subject. He has led Earthwatch teams for 20 years. Schedule: All teams. EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST PAUL T. BIDWELL (M.A., L.L.B., M.I.f.A., F.S.A.) was Head of Archaeology at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums from 1983 to He has excavated widely, with a record of publication of major reports rivaled by few of his generation. He is perhaps best known in the U.K. for discovering and excavating the great baths in the fortress of the Second Legion in the city of Exeter in southwest England in the early 1970s, for his work on Roman pottery, and for his many excavations on Hadrian s Wall. Paul will be in and out of the field, but will visit every team; and he may give a talk about his research during this expedition. Paul has 20 years of experience working with Earthwatch teams. TERRY FRAIN (B.A.) is one of our most experienced excavation staff members. He led a large team of staff and volunteers in 2004 and 2005 on the excavation of the spectacularly well-preserved abutment of a Roman Bridge at Corbridge, Northumberland. Schedule: All teams. DAN DODDS (B.A.) is project officer for a new community archaeology project designed to involve members of the local community in archaeology at South Shields and elsewhere on Hadrian s Wall. Dan has 20 years of archaeological experience. Schedule: Some teams. NOTE: All staff schedules are subject to change. 18

19 RECOMMENDED READING YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME BOOKS Bidwell, Paul. Roman Forts in Britain. Stroud, UK: Tempus Publishing, Wilson, Roger J.A. A Guide to the Roman Remains in Britain (4th ed.). London: Constable Publishing, GENERAL OVERVIEWS OF ROMAN BRITAIN Frere, S.S. Britannia: A History of Roman Britain, (3rd ed.) London: Pimlico, Mattingly, David. An Imperial Possession: Britain in the Roman Empire. London: Harmondsworth, The following are highly readable, accounts of the fascinating subject of Hadrian s Wall, and the problems of the northern frontier in Britain: Breeze, David. The Northern Frontiers of Roman Britain. London: Trafalgar Square Publishing, Breeze, David and Brian Dobson. Hadrian s Wall, Fourth edition. London: Harmondsworth, Davies, Hunter. A Walk along the Wall. London: Orion Publishing, PROJECT FIELD REPORT Each Earthwatch-supported project submits a report on past research and results. The most recent field report for this project is available online at: earthwatch.org/ FieldReportPDF/Bidwell_FieldReport2009.pdf. NOTE that reports are not available for all projects. PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITE Arbeia Roman Fort webpage: twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia Arbeia Society: arbeiasociety.org.uk/magazine.htm Tyne and Wear Museum Hadrian s Wall Ceramic Database webpage: twmuseums.org.uk/archaeology/ ceramic%20database/introduction.html Great North Museum webpage: twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/ Information on pottery and ceramics in archaeology, principally of the Roman period 1st Century BC 5th Century AD in Britain and western Europe: potsherd.net/atlas/potsherd.html EARTHWATCH SOCIAL MEDIA Get to know Earthwatch better at: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/earthwatch YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org 19

20 EMERGENCY NUMBERS AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT EARTHWATCH S 24-HOUR EMERGENCY HOTLINE Call Earthwatch s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.: +1 (978) (800) (toll-free for calls placed from within the U.S.) After business hours, leave a message with our living answering service. State that you have an emergency and give the name of your expedition, your name, the location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff member will respond to your call within one hour. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER: HEALIX INTERNATIONAL (collect calls and reverse charges accepted) U.S. TOLL FREE: U.K. FREE PHONE: earthwatch@healix.com You may contact Healix International at any time. They can assist in the event of a medical or evacuation emergency or for routine medical and travel advice, such as advice on visas and vaccine requirements. FOR VOLUNTEERS BOOKED THROUGH THE EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OFFICE: Earthwatch Australia 24-Hour Emergency Helpline

21 NOTES 21

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