Within the framework of the project “METAL PLACES II: Following the Traces of the Past along the Paths of the Eastern Mediterranean”, the Palaeoenvironment and Ancient Metallurgy Laboratory of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, in collaboration with the project’s partners, is organising the 1st School on Pyrotechnology and Ancient Metal Production, which will take place in Artemonas, Sifnos, Greece, from 28 September to 7 October 2026.
Five organisations from Greece and Cyprus have joined forces to showcase the rich mining and metallurgical heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean by linking scientific research, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable local development. The partnership brings together the Palaeoenvironment and Ancient Metallurgy Laboratory of NCSR “Demokritos”, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Sifnos, the Geological Survey Department of Cyprus, and the Troodos Network of Thematic Centres. Their shared objective is to establish Sifnos and the Asgata–Kalavasos region as modern, sustainable destinations for cultural and mining heritage tourism.
This collaboration builds upon the METAL PLACES initiative, which originated through the project “Crossroads of Civilisations in the Eastern Mediterranean” and has now evolved into METAL PLACES II. The project is implemented on the Greek islands of Sifnos, Serifos and Kythnos, as well as in the Asgata–Kalavasos region of Cyprus. It promotes a model of sustainable tourism development based on knowledge, authentic experiences, and respect for cultural and natural heritage, creating new opportunities for local communities while contributing to the preservation of the collective memory of the Eastern Mediterranean’s historic mining landscapes.
Within this context, the School aims to introduce participants to archaeometallurgy, pyrotechnology and modern archaeometric methods for the study of ancient metals and metallurgical remains. It also seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among students, early-career researchers and professionals from different scientific disciplines who share an interest in ancient technologies and the mining and metallurgical heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The island of Sifnos has a long-standing mining and metallurgical tradition and is considered one of the most important locations for the study of ancient metallurgy in the Aegean, providing the ideal historical and natural setting for this educational programme.
The programme combines theoretical lectures, laboratory training, experimental archaeology and field activities. Participants will attend lectures on geology, archaeometallurgy and ancient metal production technologies, while gaining hands-on experience with modern analytical techniques, including XRF, ICP-MS, optical and electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and GIS applications in archaeological research.
In addition, the programme includes the construction and operation of a prehistoric-style metallurgical furnace, experimental metal production using ancient techniques, laboratory exercises on the documentation and analysis of metallurgical remains, and educational visits to archaeological sites, mining landscapes and locations of geological significance on Sifnos and Serifos. Participants will conclude the programme by presenting the results of a short research project.
The School is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, archaeologists, geologists, conservators, materials scientists and cultural heritage professionals.
Registration is free, and all lectures, laboratory sessions and educational material will be provided in English.
Participants will receive:
- Educational material
- Coffee and refreshments during breaks
- Light lunch on teaching days
- Certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the programme
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation and meals not included in the programme.
Applications
Αpplicants are invited to submit their application by email to: metalplaces.interreg@gmail.com
Applications should include:
- Full name
- Institution or professional affiliation (if applicable)
- Current position (e.g. student, researcher, professional)
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
For more information: metalplaces.interreg@gmail.com
Instructors
Yannis Bassiakos, Yannis Papadatos, Eleni Filippaki, Evangelos Tsakalos, Maria Kazantzaki, Andreas Charalambous, Demetrios Ioannides, Michel Roggenbucke, Ioannis Sanakis, Anno Hein, Irini Kotzamanidi, Maria Kaparou, Frank Hulek, Magda Giannakopoulou and Georgios Gavalas.
