BIOARCHAEOLOGY Transylvaniabioarchaology.org

Migration, Health, and Lifestyle in the Kingdom of the (Transylvania) Location: Cluj-Napoca, Duration: Session 1: June 8-July 4, 2014 (4 weeks); Session 2: July 6-August 3, 2014 (4 weeks) Course Fee: £1100 Maximum number of students: 18 Project Chairs: Kori Lea Filipek-Ogden & Sabrina Gloux

Project Description: Skeletal remains within cemeteries and individual burials have proven to be an invaluable source of information in archaeological endeavors. The wealth of knowledge obtained from burial assemblages provides insights into culture; migratory patterns; contact and trade; social complexities and population dynamics; familial relationships, and ancestral health. Archaeology attempts to reconstruct the particulars of past populations through their material remains and, complementary to it, bioarchaeological studies comprise a deeper understanding of past populations through skeletal remains and integrates this understanding with adaptive changes to environment and culture.

The main theme of this ongoing project will be to use these approaches to produce a working body of knowledge about the Gepid populations in Transylvania (4th -6th centuries CE). This period in history represents a poorly understood socially and politically dynamic exchange of power structure in the : namely Barbarian Invasions, the advent of the , the collapse of the Western , the Plague of Justinian, and the ushering of the Middle Ages.

For the 2014 field season, we will be examining and analysing skeletal remains belonging to the Gepid culture, excavated from the Northeastern plains of Transylvania. All analytical work will take place in the National History Museum of Transylvania (MNIT), located in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. If available, students will also have the opportunity to experience bioarchaeological fieldwork.

In addition to the analytical component, lectures will be given by TB archaeological and museum staff on: • the history of the culture and the region as well as practical bioarchaeological concepts including basic osteology and standard recording techniques; • establishing MNI; • ageing and sexing of adults and non-adults; • non-metric traits and normal variation; • biomechanics; • palaeopathology; • and advanced methodologies including histology, radiography, stable isotope analyses, and ancient DNA and bacterial DNA extraction and amplification.

Students are not necessarily required to have any bioarchaeological/osteological experience but those who do will be in good stead to complete the course. Academic credit is available at no extra cost but paperwork must be initiated with the home university by the student.

Please do enquire by e-mail to [email protected] if you have any questions, or would like to be put in contact with past students.

Application procedures and forms are available on our website http://www.transylvaniabioarchaeology.org/Projects.html

The cost of the field includes 3-star accommodation with wi-fi at Pensiunea Brici for 4 weeks, airport transfers to and from Cluj-Napoca International Airport, and incidentals including materials and lab fees. Students are responsible for their own meals but will have a private kitchen at their disposal.

Transylvania Bioarchaeology is a registered, non-profit organization (Reg. No 8574673)

TRANSYLVANIA BIOARCHAEOLOGY Transylvaniabioarchaology.org

Optional field trips will be offered at an additional price to explore the beautiful Transylvanian countryside, caves, archaeological sites, and glacial lakes. Of course a trip to Dracula’s real castle and birthplace will be available too!

Transylvania Bioarchaeology is a registered, non-profit organization (Reg. No 8574673)