Overview
This program is focused on the conservation of Roman glass. The program will begin by understanding the rich history of ancient glass, its origin and the technology needed for its production. The program will then proceed to instruct students in modern techniques of glass conservation, restoration, documentation and study. Both the theoretical and laboratory elements of this program will be taught at the research center associated with the Roman site of Deultum (see more about the site below).
This field school includes three modules. The first is practical work in conservation of glass, initially of replicas and then work on Roman artifacts from the collection of the National Archaeological Reserve at Deultum. The second module covers the theoretical and methodological elements of glass conservation and consists of lectures presenting the archaeological context of glass artifacts and the best methods used for their preservation. conserved vessels and to conservation process of glass vessels. The third module introduces students to the regional context of Roman presence and includes site visits to the ancient coastal towns of Nessebar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a sightseeing tour of Sozopol (including study visits to its archaeological museums). An optional two day excursion to Istanbul (Turkey) is possible and interested students should contact Balkan Heritage Foundation directly for details.
Develton (Thracian: Debelton, “two-swamp area”) was founded as an emporium of Apollonia Pontica in the 7th century BCE. From the 6th century to the 4th century BC, the settlement served as an important place of trade between Thracians and Greeks. Develton was annexed to the Roman Empire in 46 CE and became part of the province of Thrace and its name changed to Deultum. At the Battle of Deultum in the summer of 377 CE (during the Gothic War of 376–382), an Eastern Roman army was defeated by a Gothic raiding party outside Deultum, and the city was sacked. Deultum was later rebuilt on a smaller scale, and, in the second half of the 5th century CE, new walls were constructed, and all unprotected buildings were demolished to ensure hostile forces did not use them as cover. These walls were destroyed by Slavs and Avars at the end of the 6th century CE.
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Glass found in Burial at Deultum
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Examining glass surface under magnification
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Cleaning glass surface
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Collection of Roman glass vessels
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Curating a glass bottle
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Curating a glass cup
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Reconstructing a glass vessel
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Reassembled Roman glass bottle
Instructor(s)
All field school directors are experts in their field and passionate about their work. To discuss the suitability of this program for your career goals – whether within or outside academia – you are invited to contact the directors directly. For a broader discussion which ARC program to choose, you are welcome to contact our staff directly – you can do that through our “Contact Us” page.
Testimonials & Program evaluation
Student Fees (Tuition)
What is Covered
- DEPOSIT IS PART OF TOTAL TUITION COST
- Costs of Instruction
- Cost of Academic Credit Units
- Health Insurance
- Full Room & Board
- Liability & Accident Insurance
Read Before You Pay
- Application: You must apply online for this program – application is free
- Deposit: A $300 nonrefundable deposit (part of the total tuition cost) is required to secure a space in the program
- Credit Card Fee: Payments with credits cards incur 3% processing fee
- Late Fee: A $100 Late Fee will be added to the program costs if tuition is not paid in full by payment deadline
- Cancellation Policy: Carefully read our Cancellation Policy before committing to attending our programs
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is not provided by ARC. Such policies have changed due to Covid 19. If you wish to purchase an insurance policy that covers pandemic contingencies, explore Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) plans. Insuremytrip or Travel Guard are possible websites where you may explore different insurance policies.
Accommodations
Accommodation will be at the archaeological base part of the National Archaeological Reserve – Deultum. It has comfortable ensuite rooms with two to three beds. Free use of wi-fi, washing machine, and kitchen. Bed linen and towels are provided. Wi-Fi is available on the first floor of the lobby area.
Diet
All meals will be served in the restaurant on site. Vegetarian diets may be accomedated.
Travel Information
The official meeting point is at the archaeological base, that is part of the National Archaeological Reserve – Deultum. Students should arrive at the archaeological base by 7:30pm on the first day of the program.
The archaeological base is located 13 miles/22 km from Burgas. The nearest airport is the Burgas International Airport (BOJ). The transfer from the airport to Debelt may be arranged by request and will be organized by the program directors. Transfers prices are Euro 31 (approximately $35) from Burgas Airport.
Students who fly to Sofia (Bulgaria’s capital) may take a domestic flight, train or bus to the Black Sea coast. If you plan to come through Sofia, let the program director know and we will direct you to a central meeting point at Debelt.
Visa Information
There are no visa requirements for U.S. citizen travelling to Bulgaria, if they do not stay longer than 3 months. Passport’s expiration date should exceed the stay by at least 3 months.
Citizens of other countries are asked to check the Bulgarian Embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements.
Meeting Point
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | 7:30pm | National Archaeological Reserve Research Station at Deultum |
If you missed your connection or your flight is delayed, please call, text or email project director(s) immediately. A local emergency cell phone number will be provided to all enrolled students.
Safety
Our primary mission is student education. Traveling and conducting field work involves risk and students interested in participating in any field schools must weigh whether the potential risk is worth the value of education earned. While risk is inherent in everything we do, we do not take risk lightly. We engage in intensive review of each field school location prior to approval and continue to monitor conditions on the ground to ensure a safe and wholesome education experience.
Students attending our international programs are covered by a comprehensive Health Insurance Policy that covers physical illness or injury, mental or chronic conditions and medical evacuation – if needed. This insurance policy has no deductibles and 100% of the costs are covered up to $250,000 (for more, see here). In addition, we provide Political & Natural Disaster Evacuation policy, which allows us to remove students from program location if conditions change.
Students attending our domestic programs (within the US) must have their own health insurance. Program directors are familiar with local authorities and if in need of evacuation, local emergency services and/or law enforcement will be notified and activated.
We have an explicit and robust Harassment & Discrimination Policy, outlined on our Health & Safety page. If students feel they cannot discuss personal safety issues with program staff, they are welcome to call the ARC emergency hotline and talk directly with an ARC staff member.
Call (+1 323 740-1805) or email (admin@anthroctr.org) if you have questions about the safety of any program.