2022: Stories from the field

Robbert in the field (right)

By Robbert van de Winkel, Bachelor's student Leiden University, 2022.

Currently the HMC-project in Greece is in full swing! A team of students and staff are researching the Medieval and post-Medieval hinterland of Chalkida. The city has ancient roots, it is located on the right bank of the narrow strait between the island of Evia and mainland Greece. Student Robbert shares his experiences:

'We start at the site at 6:00. The travel to the site follows an adventurous trail since it is located on a hilltop. It can be accessed by a steep road full of holes and rocks. We have to take the heavy equipment up this hill. But the view and the site more than make up for it! The early morning work makes it possible to see some of the local wild life. We have seen a herd a goats wandering around on the site and some bunnies hopping through the bushes. A few days ago, we had to survey in the scorching sun. It was 40 degrees Celsius. However, we have already made some amazing unexpected discoveries which makes it all worthwhile.'