A Subterranean Odyssey

Do you detest sparkling sunlight and fresh air? Would it be too onerous to visit beautiful, exotic lands? Would it bore you to tears to travel through time or touch a piece of history? If the answer to any (or all) of these questions is no, then you may be a perfect candidate to volunteer for an archaeological dig.

This summer over a dozen archaeological sites throughout the greater Mediterranean region will be recruiting volunteers to work on their dig teams. You can help rescue an endangered Byzantine monastery in Syria, search for buried treasure at an ancient Roman fort or excavate the stone walls of a seventh-century French chateau. For most of these projects, the only requirement is a passionate interest in archaeology, a strong work ethic and the cost of transportation and lodging.

Even if you don’t like the idea of getting your hands dirty, you might consider enrolling in an archaeology or ancient history study abroad program for the summer. Whether it’s a two-week seminar on how to read ancient inscriptions or a month-long stint hefting a pickax in the Arabian desert, Archaeology Odyssey’s second annual dig section offers something for anyone interested in the past.