Program Description

The excavation of the multi-period site of Tulsk in County Roscommon is just one part of a larger project focused on medieval rural settlement period (c.1100-1650 A.D.) across Ireland. The goal of this portion of the project is to identify the material expression of the Gaelic (native Irish) peoples in later medieval Ireland. This element of the work is focused on north Roscommon, where an area has been selected for study that is defined by the Shannon River in the east and Rathcroghan in the west. The medieval bishop’s seat at Elphin lies in the north, and the O’Conor holdings of Tulsk and Cloonfree are in the south. The study area includes most of the historic territory of the O’Conor Roe, reflected today in the barony of Roscommon, but parts of other territories are also included.

he results of the excavation over the last three summers continue to be very exciting. There now appears to be at least three distinct phases of activity on site. The earliest phase, associated with the site as a ringfort, may retain horizons as late as the tenth/eleventh century, based on the discovery of a bronze ring pin brooch in 2005. Future excavation will hopefully reveal this early level in detail. Excavation has also revealed the remains of a large stone tower at the site which is extremely interesting because castle sites in Roscommon tend not to survive above ground. The excavations to date have also uncovered a substantial horizon from this Elizabethan period, and one explanation may relate this refortification of the mound to the presence of Sir Richard Bingham in Tulsk. Bingham, was Queen Elizabeth's Governor in the region, and garrisoned the town of Tulsk in the 1590s. It is reasonable to suggest that these works included the reoccupation of the mound, since the range of militaria that has been uncovered is significant. Indeed the assemblage of musket balls and evidence for the maintenance of the arms is very similar to that excavated some years ago at Jamestown, Virginia, dating to 1607.

Professor Jimmy Schryver has been working on excavations in the United States, in Europe and in the Middle East since 1993. Last year he spent three weeks at Tulsk. He has a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies and his research focuses on the fields of archaeology and art history, and issues of identity and cultural interaction.

Why I am personally excited about being a part of this project.

I have excavated around Europe and the Mediterranean for the last 13 summers and I have to say that this is one of the best projects that I have had the chance to be a part of in terms of the project planning, resources, and technology.

One of the most exciting elements of this particular excavation is that it is making use of what is proving to be a ground-breaking technology in archaeology. This technology comes in the form of a Mensi GS101 laser scanner, which is used to scan the excavation surfaces normally drawn by hand. In addition to improving the quality of the record of these surfaces, the data that is collected is 3D in nature and saves countless hours of recording that traditionally slow down excavations for days at a time. With the scanner, images can be produced and ready for field verification within 30 minutes of the final scan being completed. As someone used to the traditional methods of measuring and recording, I was amazed the first time that I saw the scanner in use.

Course Description

Budget

Program Cost: $3400

Includes: tuition, lodging, breakfast, program excursions, insurance and administrative fee.

Airfare: $900-$1100

Estimated Extra Costs: $600

Includes but not limited to: Weekend meals (if you travel) and personal spending money.

Application Deadlines

Initial Deadline: Friday, December 14, 2007
- receive a $150 program fee reduction
-entered into a $500 fee reduction drawing

Early Deadline: Friday, January 25, 2008
- receive a $100 program fee reduction

Final Deadline: Friday, February 15, 2008

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarship worth up to $750. For scholarship applications, contact the Center for International Programs.