Marianne Tames-Demauras: Ethiopia-Shire staff profile

Located in the Shire region of Northern Ethiopia, this field school will allow students the opportunity to excavate a site which is virtually unexplored. This site is located near the ancient capital of the Aksumite Kingdom (first to sixth century CE) Mai Adrasha, located 50 KM west of Axum. The site, the region, and its complex cultural heritage, provide important information on the sub-Saharan counterpart of the Greco-Roman world. These societies economic base of agriculture and trade resulted in close contact with the North, and an adoption of early Christianity. The research area consists of almost 100 km² and is located east of the modern city of Inda Selassie. The Shire Archaeological Project concession comprises of extensive ancient remains dating from the prehistoric to the medieval period. It includes two large sites, Mai Adrasha and Mezaber Adi Menaber. During the 2019 season, students will work in Mai Adrasha, a site under threat of destruction due to continuing panning of natural gold by the local population. In addition to survey and intensive excavations, students will also have the opportunity to participate in community outreach and assist with crucial site management. For more information, see ifrglobal.org/...