European Days of Archeology and Midsummer Celebration

The European Archeology Days are coordinated by the French National Institute for Preventive Archeology (INRAP) under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of the French Republic. As the only participant from the Czech Republic, Zeměráj will join this prestigious international event for the second time. We will introduce archeology as an important scientific field, including examples of archaeological finds, we will acquaint with the specific work of an archaeologist and the need to protect the archaeological heritage. 

As part of the interactive program, visitors, equipped with archeological vests, helmets and tools, with the participation and help of professionals, can search for artefacts in a simulated archaeological site, assemble "broken" vessels and a wooden log house, learn about burial methods in the early Middle Ages using a skeleton grave model, decorate your own ceramic vessel with prehistoric ornaments or make a clay amulet according to prehistoric patterns from the world-famous South Bohemian site at Burkovák near Nemějice and get to know other archeologically interesting localities in the vicinity of Zeměráj. 

The event also includes a comprehensive live interpretation of the life of the inhabitants of an early medieval village in the terrestrial archeological museum connected with the celebration of the summer solstice. We weave wreaths, expel evil forces, bake pancakes and make offerings, hand them over to the natural forces in the sanctuary, and secure their favour for the next year. We dance to the beat of drums and summon enough light by lighting a ceremonial fire.