False past horizons26 The multi- period site of Melan is located in the Drinos Valley in southern Albania, near the city of Gjirokaster. Katie Johnson of the University of Chicago fi rst encountered this site in 2006, when she was invited by Auron Tare of the Albanian National Trust to tour the area in order to gauge its archaeological potential. The long occupational history of the site — its origins are thought to be in the fi fth century B. C. — includes many traces of past cultures, such as aqueducts, walls, and building foundations. This site at Melan is part of her ongoing research into the continuity of sacred spaces and the historical relationship of the Bektashis to the region. In 2007, Katie had a very exciting fi rst season. With volunteers from several countries two large mosaics were found ( tentatively dated to the fi fth– sixth centuries A. D.) and several as yet undated burials. The mosaics archaeology - albanian national trust Top: Drinos Valley Above: Cleaning the mosaic

False 27past horizons trust & The university of chicago have many colours of tesserae and motifs of pheasants, deer, horses, vines, and other geometric designs. In another area, the team revealed a Byzantine church ( ninth– thirteenth centuries A. D.), which they excavated down to the still extant fl oor. This Autumn, the second season, Katie and her team will continue to work in both areas, giving volunteers the ability to excavate mosaics, burials, within the church, and around an Ottoman fountain. Past and present volunteers range in age and archaeological experience. While some have had extensive experience or are in full time education others have never excavated before and Katie will provide instruction. Volunteers are welcome on an individual basis and will be able to work on all aspects of excavation, as well as gain experience for a range of digging techniques. The team stay at the functioning Bektashi Tekke, the Sufi equivalent of a monastery, about a fi ve- minute walk from the site. While somewhat rustic, the accommodation provides a full cultural experience, as well as beautiful scenery. ? Dates: 10 September - 10 October 2008 Cost: Volunteers must pay for their own travel expenses plus $ 25 per day for food and lodging EMAIL: klj@ uchicago. edu ? Excavating at Melan Photographs: Katie Johnson