Thessalonika was an important trade gateway between the east and west in Ancient Greece, a hub for handling trade goods under the Greeks and the Macedonians, the Roman and the Byzantine empires. Recreating an archaeological excavation at this crossroads of the ancient world, the Thessalonika dig is our flagship program. The first of the student archaeology programs developed by History in Hand, it remains our most popular offering.
Our Thessalonika program leads young people through each stage of an "experimental archaeological" dig with both field and lab work, providing them with the unique thrill of being a real archaeologist. Your students will begin by excavating the site to unearth artifacts dating as far back as 350 B.C., the Classical Age of Ancient Greece. Returning to the lab, they will be enthralled as they clean, preserve and identify their discoveries. During the course of this seminar, your students will discover the importance of history, antiquites and archaeology in our unique "hands on" manner that provides a connection far beyond what can be achieved in a lecture or classroom setting.
the Dig Package
The base package for the Thessalonika dig contains the following materials:
Also included in the base package are a number of our carefully selected, premium arifacts. These artifacts can be reused each time you run our program. Premium artifacts are selected from among the following types. (Please note: stock on Premium Artifacts varies. History in Hand will select an assortment from currently available items at time of purchase):
- From the Greek Era: Authentic rings, coins, bronze arrow points, ancient 'dolphin' money from as far back as 450 BC
- From the Roman Era: Authentic rings, fibulae, bronze arrow points, bronze military emblems
- From the Byzantine Era: Authentic rings, coins
Each package will also provide one authentic premium Roman partly cleaned coin for each student which the student keeps at completion of the program. These coins range in size from 12-19 mm and have a good variety of portraits and reverses, all will have acceptable detail for purposes of identification
The base cost for the Thessalonika dig package is $195.- plus $10.- per student
Purchasing Additional Premium, Special and Replica Artifacts
Increasing the number and variety of Premium artifacts, or adding one - or several - of History in Hand's selection of Special or Replica artifacts is an effective way to enhance the learning experience for young students and generate additional excitement. With more items to find and more items to track down and identify, students form a connection with the artifacts and a greater motivation to learn and discover.
Who wore the bracelet or the ring? What battles and campaigns could the spearhead have been carried through? History in Hand's Premium, Special and Replica artifacts provide your students with unique insights into everyday life in ancient times and fire your students' imaginations.
