Worldwide there are more and more excavations annually, but Cambustica and the region it is geographically situated in standout, specifically for classical archaeologists studying the ancient Greco-Roman World and its civilization(s). What was special about working at Cambustica was that the area this Roman fortress is situated in is home to a group or series of archaeological sites that form a rich and relatively untouched archaeological region that forms the last known great and unexcavated remains of the once might Roman Empire. Rataria and the renown site of Gamzigrad or Felix Romuliana, just inside the Serbian border, are both parts of this archaeological region and its rich heritage. This is what made doing excavation work at Cambustica, situated near these other historic and archaeological sites and remains, a real pleasure and privilege.

The excavation at Cambustica was more than just archaeological work, it was also a cultural and social experience, as well as a chance to visit and see Bulgaria and its heritage, culture, and natural beauty. Cambustica was an eye-opening process and exercise in archaeology and even about different views, perspectives, methods, and values amongst different archaeologists or those practicing archaeology from different corners of the globe. Colleagues came with different disciplinary backgrounds, such as anthropology, history, and classical studies, and from various institutions, such as the University of Belgrade (Serbia), Oxford University (U.K.), King’s College (U.K.), University of Victoria (Canada), and Moscow State University (Russia). Each brought with them different experiences, talents, expectations, and modes of thoughts on conducting archaeology. This at times led to clashes, but was part of the constructionist learning aspect of the excavation as a broader learning experience.

Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya,
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Ottawa

Archaeology =

Well for a start we had a very nice, kind and friendly team. This made it very easy for us to work a team

Students were allowed to offer their opinions about certain aspects of Archaeology on site and in Bulgaria to their Bulgarian instructors and their questions were meet with attention. It was great to know that our ideas were appreciated.

Site management was very clearly organisied and most important it was a safe environment to work. Bulgarian supervisors were on hand to help at any time. Work was done with efficiently in order to discover artifacts at Cambustica which will hopefully improve the knowledge of Roman Military and Social life in Bulgaria and other countries.

On this Field school some of the instructors brought us to see many important Roman sites like Roman roads, Road stations and the ancient Roman city of Ratiaria. Many more sites are waiting to be found and it is only right that Bulgarian Archaeologists receive more support in their quests to discover these sites and to work at them so that we can uncover the beauty and splendor of Bulgarian Archaeology. They cannot be ignored anymore and neither can the sites. But it must be left to the professionals and not the criminals to uncover them. These sites must be protected and their finds keep safe for future generations.

I must thank Krassimira, Marian, Mladen and Mitko among many others for their amazing work in the effort to promote and help Bulgarian Archaeology. The trip will add greatly to my Archaeological experience and it will make me a better Archeologist.

The stay in Bulgaria =

It was a beautiful experience to stay in a spectacular country. In Vidin the group made many friends of our age and we have formed strong bonds with these. I loved to the Traditions and Culture of Bulgaria. I enjoyed making Friends here and contacts that will help me in my future Archeological career.

Thank you Bulgaria,

Yours sincerely Byron Jones