Archaeological Fieldwork by IU Classical Studies Students at Selinunte (Italy) and Samothrace (Greece)

After two years of COVID-related lockdowns and travel restrictions, the summer of 2022 saw American archaeological projects resume across the Mediterranean. Thanks to the support of the Classical Studies department and the university, five IU undergraduate and graduate students – Zoey Musick, Caroline Armstrong, Renae Dishman, Lillian Waddill, and Morgan Eriksen – had the opportunity to participate in two digs and experience the ancient world firsthand.

Discover the Summer 2022 Excavation Here

Student spotlight: Ellie Roach

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by ancient history and archaeology. During my undergraduate years at Indiana University, I majored in Classical Civilization (with an emphasis on Art and Archaeology) and Anthropology. I thrived in classes like The Art and Archaeology of the Aegean, Topography and Monuments of Athens, and The Body in Classical Art. These courses, in combination with my bioanthropology and material archaeology courses in the Anthropology department, gave me the confidence to apply to an archaeology field school in Lincoln, England – to which I returned for three consecutive summers as a site supervisor! I fell in love with the process of excavation and discovery – getting your hands dirty, getting deep into the mud and out of the classroom quite literally transports you through layers of time through the stratigraphy.

Read Ellie's story

Although I had some trepidation about returning to the classroom after so many years away, my fears were immediately allayed by the warmth and support I received both from members of the faculty and my fellow students in the Department of Classical Studies.  I thrived in my courses, which covered such topics as Classical mythology in film, the Athenian aristocracy, and the art and archaeology of the Greek and Roman world.

Read Abby’s story