10.04.2025 Spring School: Future archaeologists study the protection of cultural assets in Herzegovina

As part of the EUPeace University Alliance, students from Marburg University, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University of Sarajevo, University of Mostar and Comillas Pontifical University Madrid take part in an EUPeace Spring School at an archaeological site in the south-west of Herzegovina, in the urban area of Ljubuški. 

A Roman auxiliary fort discovered in the Gračine field in the urban area of Ljubuški is the place of fieldwork for the participants. Under the guidance of lecturers from the participating universities, traditional archaeological excavation methods, non-invasive prospection techniques and innovative methods for the digital documentation of cultural assets can be practised in the form of workshops. In addition, the connection between the local population and their own cultural heritage—referred to as their "identification potential"—is explored through interactive surveys and community engagement, with a special focus on schools in the region. One notable example is a workshop hosted by Comillas Pontifical University Madrid. This event brings together a diverse cross-section of the community—teachers, students, local leaders, citizens, priests, and imams—to reflect on and discuss the role that cultural heritage plays in their personal lives and in shaping the identity of their region.

Justus Liebig University Giessen provides training in 3D scanning of archaeological objects with a portable handheld scanner and the University of Mostar teaches traditional excavation methods. The workshop from University of Sarajevo offers instruction in LIDAR scanning and geomagnetic prospection and Marburg University contributes a workshop on geoelectrical prospection/resitivity (and overall organisation/management). These educational offers give the students the opportunity to take part in different, highly interesting workshops every day.

In the coming summer semester, the 25 participating students have the opportunity to follow up the educational programme digitally as part of their teaching at the prehistoric seminar at Marburg University.

This initiative is made possible via the EUPeace Fund.