In-depth Review of the Field Process

While it may seem to some that the majority of our time here at SEEP is spent lounging on the beach, we do actually accomplish significant work. Presently, the group has surveyed a total of 105 "squares" which amount to a total of 10,500 square meters (mathematically, that area would be equal to a 1 km wide path, 10.5 km long). However, this area is still a fraction of the total survey area.

Survey area organization:

The survey area is aligned on a a grid pattern. Each "square" of the grid is 100 meters by 100 meters. These squares are differentiated by a number system. Rows (traveling East-West) are given a Roman Numeral, while Columns (traveling North-South) are given an Arabic Numeral. So, for example, a particular square might be identified as "XXXII-42", meaning that it is in the 32rd row and the 42nd column. See the map below for further detail:

Each of these squares is then divided into 10 "transects". Each of these transects is 10 meters wide, since it is assumed that each individual is capable of seeing 5 meters in every direction. Unfortunately, we do not have 10 people surveying at once; we only have 7. So we are forced to use an interesting zig-zag process in order to complete 4 square segments. This process is shown in the Field Director's notebook:

The group does the best to take advantage of its numbers. We first will travel across 2 squares, covering 7 transects. We then turn back and finish the remaining 3 transects in those squares as well as 4 transects from 2 parallel squares. We then turn back yet again and complete the remaining 6 transects in those squares, along with 1 extra transect to help account for any drift.

The "Field" aspect:

The process is far from an exact science, but we have organized it as much as one can while standing waist high in grape vines and thorns. To begin with, we locate the corner of a square and mark it with flagging tape:

Once the corner has been located and marked, we choose a "leader" for the day. The leader is responsible for keeping the group aligned (either North-South or East-West, depending on which direction we're traveling). This person must always keep a compass handy, continually checking the direction that they are traveling and tracking the distance:

The responsibility does not rest solely on the leader though. Each individual in the group has their own compass and is responsible for noting a natural landmark that corresponds to the direction they are traveling and walk toward it:

The leader will stop after 20 meters (each transect is divided into 20m long sections, recognized as A-E) and realign the group:

On occassion--a very frequent occassion--we will come across some sort of obstruction in our surveying which requires us to travel around or over it. The most common are fences and gulleys (sometimes seperate, sometimes organized next to one another to increase the difficulty in crossing them).

In many cases our battles with fences cause casualties in the ranks as well:

As we travel along, we are responsible for taking notes which describe the area, the objects we

find, and any other interesting information:

Of course, after all of these things, the main goal of the survey is to actually find archaeological objects. This can however be difficult, since the ground coverage in the survey area is often thick and overgrown. Beyond this, many objects are very small. Feel free to try and find the archaeological objects in the photos below. The objects will be circled in pictures at the bottom of the post so that you can tell how accurate you were. Some are easier than others, which is also the case in the field.

After we have completed 4 full squares, we normally take a group break in the shade and rehydrate.

It's not your Elementary School "Field day"

Just about everyday is "Field Day" for the members of SEEP. But the three-legged race and softball throw are not on the list of offered events. Instead, SEEP members are allowed to participate in "walking" (an endurance sport created back in the 1960's), "looking" (a more modern addition to the triathlon), "stopping" (a side effect resulting from the creation of "walking" in the 1960's), and "picking things up" (a recently developed sport that requires extreme dedication and training before mastery).

Example of "walking":

Example of "looking":

Example of "stopping":

Example of "picking things up":

As you can see, the SEEP team is made up of an extraordinary band of professional athletes, all of whom can demonstrate these four very different techniques with expert precision. When executed properly and with repetition, the SEEP crew is often successful in identifying a variety of archaeological sites. At present we have identified several prehistoric sites, areas of Roman influence, and just recently we identified a site from the early bronze age which offered up a total of 290 pieces of obsidian (a volcanic glass used for creating blades and other sharp points) and many sherds of pottery (most of which were not collected).

But what exactly makes us professionals?

Well, saying that all we do is "walk, look, stop, and pick things up" is an incredibly simple interpretation of a relatively complex proceedure. To begin with, we can't walk just anywhere. The campos area that we survey is divided on our map into 100 x 100 meter squares. These squares are then divided into ten 100 meter long "transects." Each team member walks in the middle of a transect (it is believed that a person can see clearly 5 meters on each side). These 100 meter long transects are then further divided into 20 meter long sections. As we are walking through each section, we are taking careful notes of the visibility, geographical features, and the objects which we observe. Some of these objects (pottery sherds of higher quality, pieces of obsidian, and remains of man-made structures) are worth further examination. At this point the individual will stop and determine if the object is worth collecting. On occassion, a team member may identify many noteable objects in a specific area. It is then up to the Field Director to decide whether the area deserves a more detailed investigation. If the area yields a high number of objects (enough to signify the area as having a substantial human influence), it will be identified as a "Find Spot." Each of these Find Spots (such as the afore mentioned area in which we found 290 pieces of obsidian) is recorded using GPS and is given an identification number. Once the Field Director feels that we have thoroughly examined the site and collected all the relevant materials, then we continue on with our survey of that area. At the end of the day, each team member is responsible for entering all of their note sheets into the computer catalog and cleaning any objects found that day.

While SEEP doesn't have the pleasure of enjoying a typical Elementary School "Field Day," we instead enjoy a different sort of "day in the field." Our day is--hopefully--marked by numerous discoveries of varying significance. Whether we are pleasantly surprised by a sleeping turtle, shocked by a passing snake, or elated by a significant habitation site, we are always thrilled to be out in the field, quencing our insatiable thirst for discovery.

A Day in the Life

Dawn breaks, and the SEEP team is typically awoken around 6:30 am either by our own accord, or by the blaring raucous of a Grecian male on a motor bike. The latter, at least from my own experience, seems to be the more common. After such a refreshing night's sleep (often interupted by more blaring motor bikes, the continual honking of car horns, and the highly irritating and unnecessary squeel of tires of every design) the group collects itself around the breakfast table. We each take in a little taste of something, either cereal or fruit normally. Following breakfast, we drive out to the chosen survey site for that day. But, considering there are nine of us and only one compact car, we are required to make two trips out to the site.

The work day consists mainly of slow walking. This "walking", however, is by no mean your standard walk in any way. The lush, green pastures of some hidden glade are far from our working enviroment. Instead, we trounce through the Grecian countryside, which--if you've ever been there--you'd know is some of the most inhospitable countryside on the whole of the earth. The vegitation covering the ground either consists of "some" thorns or "all" thorns, with very little deviation from "all" thorns. Indeed, the plantlife in Greece greatly resembles the country's militaristic past. Like any good hoplite spear, these plants are sharp, tall, and quite unforgiving. Here are a few examples:

There are many more thorny options to choose from, aside from those photographed. I personally have seen (and walked through) thorn bushes wider than my bedroom here at the SEEP house. But aside from all the sharp, pointy excitement, some actual fieldwork is undertaken while surveying.

Recently, the group has made two interesting finds in the past week. First, we discovered a series of large stone walls at the top of a hill. And upon exploration of the area, we discovered nearly one hundred assorted pottery sherds. The second significant find was made on Friday when, on another hillside on the opposite side of the campos, a team member noticed a large collection of pottery sherds on the surface. Close assessment of the area identified a site containing more than one hundred and forty prehistoric pottery sherds. Here are some pictures from the first of these two events along with general pictures of us surveying:

After a hard day of surveying, the team returns home around 2 pm. They are greeted by the hard labor of the team member who had the day off; for that team member is responsible for cleaning the house and preparing lunch. Lunch typically consists of Greek Salad, sliced meats and cheeses, fruits, and sometimes pasta.

Following lunch, our only other responsibility is to enter the data from our survey record sheets into the computer database. Otherwise, our time is free to ourselves. In most cases we nap immediately following lunch. This helps us recover from the hard work of the day as well as deal with the incredible heat of the afternoon. Often we will go to the beach after our naps and enjoy a cool swim in the Aegean.

Dinner does not come until around 8:30 or 9 pm. We normally go to dinner as a group and enjoy the many tastes of the Greek pallet. Dinner in Greece can be a time consuming endeavor. It is expected that everyone sit around the table and talk before finally ending the meal. This said, it can often be 11 or 12 o'clock before we finally return from dinner.

After dinner, if we still have the energy to stay awake, we tend to have drinks and relax before heading off to bed. Then the whole ordeal starts anew the next morning. We are again rudely awakened by the roar of motor bikes, the honks of horns, and the squeels of tires.

SEEP Summer 2007: The Early Days

As the dust settled on the warm streets of Karystos, the bus doors opened and released upon the small community the first installment of volunteers for the Southern Euboea Exploration Project. These first four volunteers were then joined the following day by three more adventurous spirits; and the group was finally completed on the third day with the arrival of the final two. The valiant nine stand as follows: from the fjords of Norway hail Svein and Renate; from the lush coasts and the dry deserts of the United States come Heather, Rachel, and Mark; from the Shakespearean lands of Denmark arrive Mia and Rie; and finally, the beautiful island of Montreal, Canada offers us Chaya and Melissa. The team is supported by the fine and inspiring leadership of Field Director Zarko and Project Director Don.

The first few days of our expedition were marked by joy and revelry. Pleasures were had by all as we enjoyed the warm sun and sandy beaches of beautiful Karystos. But just as the smells of fresh souvlaki were enveloping our souls with their rich air, the realization became apparent that indeed we all did come here to do "work". However, our first attempt at "work" was quickly betrayed by several errors in our mapping and orientation systems. So unfortunately, the first day of the survey was ended almost as quickly as it began after just a few hours in the field. The second day was far more successful though. With the orientation problems solved, the team was able to undertake its true objective and survey a small section of the Karystian Kampos. This same ideal was upheld on the second day, although this particular survey area yielded far fewer results (but far more gifts of cuts and scratches from the local thorny brush).

All things considered, this summer season of the SEEP appears to have great potential. Expectations are high and motivations are higher. Perhaps a new discovery will be made in the next few days? Who knows? But until then, we will continue to strive in our quest to unravel the hidden secrets of the plains of Karystos.

AYIA TRIADA EXCAVATION - UPDATE

The Eforia for Speleology at Athens in collaboration with SEEP has conducted excavations at the Ay. Triada cave between June 18-22. The team members were Lina, Fotini, Fanis, Daisuke (aka Mega) and Zarko. Our results, although modest, have superseded our expectations.

The goal of this field season was to preliminarily examine the cave by opening test trenches to determine whether any undisturbed stratigraphy of cultural layers exists in the cave. We were able to open two test trenches and to excavate them to the bedrock. Our expectations were confirmed by finding undisturbed cultural layers in one of the trenches (trench 2) as well as several in situ features. In this respect, the season was a success. The material recovered from the trenches belongs to different chronological periods (some of them attested in southern Euboea) but is mostly prehistoric of which the material from the later Neolithic phases constitutes the bulk of the pottery and lithic finds. Some of this material is the earliest found in Karystia thus far, lending further support to the importance of this cave site for understanding the earliest habitation in this part of Greece.

We will now begin the study of the excavated material and other data and we will hopefully produce preliminary reports early in 2008. We will also begin the preparations for a larger scale excavation of the cave in 2008.

Below you can see some of the photos of the dig and the crew on and off work. If you are interested in contributing to the Ay. Triada Excavation Project (ATEP), please contact us at ztankosic@gmail.com.

AYIA TRIADA CAVE

We are pleased to announce that the Eforia for Paleoanthropology and Speleology from Athens in collaboration with SEEP will begin the excavations of the Ayia Triada Cave on Monday, June 18. This season the project will be conducted on a much smaller scale than originally intended, mostly due to the lack of funding. This is why our main current goal is to preliminarily examine the stratigraphy in the cave to prepare better for next year when larger scale excavations will hopefully take place. The project is directed by Dr. Fanis Mavridis (Eforia for Speleology) and Zarko Tankosic (SEEP).

Information for 2007 Kampos Survey Volunteers - HOW TO GET TO KARYSTOS

Karystos is located on the southern coast of the island of Euboea (pronounced Evia), which means that you need to take a ferryboat to get there. The ferries you need leave from the port of RAFINA (ΡΑΦΗΝΑ), located on the eastern coast of Attica, the peninsula on which Athens is located. You can get to Rafina either straight from the airport or from Athens. If you have enough funds, you can use taxis in both cases. The cheapest way to get to Rafina, however, is by bus.

Buses (coach) from Athens

The best place to catch the bus to Rafina is the ETHNIKI AMINA METRO STATION. You need to get on the Blue Line (No. 3, see the included map of Athens metro lines) that goes from the center of Athens, i.e. Monastiraki (for those unfamiliar with Athens, the triangle between Monastiraki, Sintagma, and Omonia is usually considered to be the 'center'-see the map) to the Airport in the direction of the Airport. Once you get off at the Ethniki Amina stop, you need to use the exit on your right that leads to the Ministry of Transportation (NOT the one that goes to the Ministry of Defense). Once you’ve reached the street level you need to immediately turn left from the escalators and you will see a pedestrian island with a bus stop on it. Left from the bus stop (which is there for city buses) is a signpost with a simple metal yellow sign saying KTEL (KTEΛ) and Attica Regional Buses. This is where you wait for the bus. Buses to Rafina run on every 30 min or so and their destination is visibly marked in front. Keep in mind that you need to flag the bus down unless you see other people doing it before you. The ride lasts approximately 1h but this can vary broadly depending on the time of day and traffic. You need to get off at the last stop, which is in the port itself. The price of the bus ticket is currently 2.10 euros.

An alternative place to catch the same bus to Rafina is its starting point in the center of Athens on MAVROMATEON STREET (marked in red on the map to your right). The street is located just a few blocks away from the National Archaeological Museum. The best way to get there is using the trolleys no. 3, 5, 11, or 13 (they all go through the center and you need to get off one stop after the Museum; Mavromateon is the street parallel to the one trolleys use, behind the School of Economics) or the Green Line (also known as Line 1 or Elektriko) of the metro, in which case you need to get off at Viktoria station (see the map) traveling in the direction of Kifissia and walk two blocks up from the exit. Catching the bus there instead of Ethniki Amina might be a better solution if you are already in Athens and have a lot of luggage. There are many KTEL buses starting from Mavromateon Street and most of them are going to one of Attica's sea ports, so be sure you find the Rafina bus. If you are already in Athens, you can also get a cab to take you to Mavromateon Street. The cabs inside Athens are cheap, but getting one is often a challenge.

Taxi from Athens

On the same metro stop (Ethniki Amina) there’s a taxi station where you can get a cab to Rafina. Cabs are usually parked between the exit from the metro and the KTEL station, so you can’t miss them. The fare to Rafina is about 13 euros, although that may vary (some cab drivers tend to charge foreigners a bit more).

Buses from the airport

There is a direct bus line connecting Athens airport with Rafina’s port. Buses run on every hour, more or less, depending on the season. Once at the airport you will be able to get directions on how to reach the bus stop, which is attached to the terminal building (see ground plan to your right). This is the link where you can see departure times of KTEL buses from Athens and the Airport to Rafina: http://www.ktelattikis.gr/routes.php

Taxi from the airport

I wouldn’t recommend those, if you can avoid it. When taking a cab from the airport you are liable to pay extra fees, many of which are obscure. With all the fees included your fare shouldn’t be more than 20-25 euros, but that’s just an estimate.

Boat from Rafina

Once you are in the port of Rafina, which is conveniently the last bus stop, you need to get to one of the numerous ticket agencies. Be careful, you need to get a ticket TO MARMARI and not Karystos. The price (currently) is about 6 euros one way. The ferry ride is approximately 1 hour long.

For 2009 ferry schedule follow this link or scroll up towards the beginning of the page.

Bus from Marmari to Karystos

Once you’re in Marmari you will need to take a bus to get to Karystos. It is a very short ride (c. 10 min) and the bus fare is 1.50 euros. The bus to Karystos is parked in the port and you will see it the moment you get off the ferry (there are no other buses there). You need to stay on the bus until the last stop, which is in the center of Karystos, just above the town church. Once you are there the SEEP house is just a block away but somebody will come to meet you.

Taxi from Marmari to Karystos

Keep in mind that, unfortunately, the latest two or three ferries in the day are usually not met by the bus. Also, there are no buses between Marmari and Karystos on Sundays. If the only ferry you can catch is a late one and you get to Marmari when the buses have stopped running for the day there are two options: (1) if we have rented the field car already and are not otherwise prevented then somebody will come to pick you up from the port, (2) if option 1 is unavailable, you will have to get a cab from the port (they are usually parked right next to the place where the ferries dock) and the taxi fare is 10-12 euros (fixed price, no taximeter). You need to tell the cab driver to take you to the church (Ayios Nikolaos) in Karystos (church = ekklissia) and then somebody will meet you there.

Kampos Survey 2007 - Information for Potential Volunteers (2)

I regret to inform all interested people that SEEP has stopped taking applications for participation in the 2007 fieldwork season. The deadline was April 30 and all applications received by that time will be taken into consideration. Although things like field experience, the length of stay on the project, and so on will be considered and are likely to influence the outcome, the final decision on which applications to accept/reject is in the discretion of the project directors. SEEP is also trying to find additional accommodation to facilitate more volunteers than originally planned, but we cannot say at this point if we are going to be successful.
All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be informed of the outcome within a week.
Thank you all for applying!

We got 'em!

We have just received the news that SEEP's 2007 fieldwork permits have arrived and are in order. This means that there are no more obstacles for the 2007 Karystian Kampos Survey Project to proceed as planned. Thanks are due to the Canadian Institute for facilitating our application and to our friends in the Ministry of Culture.
Onward...