Dates: 22 – 27 April 2026
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Online meetings: 15 April & 30 April 2026
Type: hybrid
From 22 – 27 April 2026, New Bulgarian University will host an intensive international ERUA course dedicated to the study and interpretation of archaeological objects. Titled “Artefact Biographies and the Interpretation of Archaeological Finds,” the course offers 3 ECTS credits and is open to both BA and MA students from across the alliance. Participation is unlimited for ERUA students.
The programme combines on-site sessions in Bulgaria with two online meetings (introductory and final), creating a blended intensive format.
Course Structure
Online Introduction (15 April 2026)
An initial Zoom session introduces key concepts, including artefact biographies and material studies in archaeology.
On-site Sessions in Bulgaria (22 – 27 April 2026)
Teaching takes place at New Bulgarian University and includes museum and site visits in Sofia and Plovdiv.
Key thematic modules include:
- Explanation and interpretation in archaeology – history of ideas
- The concept of chaîne opératoire
- Case studies on prehistoric ceramics from the Eastern Balkans
- Technological change and the emergence of metallurgy in the Near East and Southeastern Europe
- Deliberate fragmentation of objects in the past
- Archaeology of prestige goods (keimelia)
- Representations of human and animal bodies
- The contemporary meanings of monuments and archaeological heritage
Look at the full programme here.
Field Visit
Participants will visit major cultural institutions and archaeological sites, including:
- National Museum of History
- Boyana Church
- Plovdiv Archaeological Museum
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Nebet Tepe
The programme concludes with a final online meeting (30 April 2026), featuring discussion, grading, and a case study on late 20th-century Bulgarian material culture.
Assessment and Learning Outcomes
Assessment is based on an oral presentation on a chosen topic. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 3 ECTS.
They will be able to:
- Analyse artefacts in relation to material properties and cultural meanings
- Apply technological and contextual approaches to object interpretation
- Understand key theoretical debates in archaeological explanation
- Critically assess how past objects acquire new meanings in contemporary society
- Engage with major archaeological collections in Sofia and Plovdiv
Application:
If you are interested, please contact Assistant prof. Dr. Bogdan Athanassov – bo.atana@nbu.bg
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
Funding:
ERUA students can receive travelling and accommodation funding from their home universities! For more information related to traveling and funding opportunities contact your local ERUA coordinator.
