The Villa Son Sard project, directed by Antoni Puig Palerm, Letty ten Harkel and Ritchie Kolvers, is a collaborative prospection near Son Servera, Mallorca, aimed at defining the boundaries of a Roman and post-Roman villa. Sparked by a 2012 Roman bathhouse discovery during road construction, the project employs trial trenches, magnetometry and surface surveys. These trenches have uncovered artifacts such as Roman ceramics and an Islamic burial site, shedding light on rural settlement in ancient and medieval times. Integrating geophysical data with surface finds, the team maps the site's boundaries, delineates structural features and deciphers functions, reconstructing the villa’s development.

Community Engagement and Heritage Connection

The Villa Son Sard project is more than an archaeological project—it’s a bridge to local heritage. It connects communities with their past, sparking dialogue about Mallorca’s rich history. By engaging locals through public outreach events and accessible research, the project transforms academic findings into shared cultural narratives. Its discoveries foster community identity and empower residents to appreciate and preserve their historical legacy.

Filling a Knowledge Gap in Rural Archaeology

The Villa Son Sard project is groundbreaking because few studies have focused on rural settlements on Mallorca from ancient periods. It fills a major knowledge gap by exploring everyday life outside the urban centers of the Roman world. Innovative methods like magnetometry and systematic surveys help reveal details that have long been overlooked. This research not only enriches our understanding of Mallorcan history but also sets a new benchmark for rural archaeology.

Methodology and Techniques

Villa Son Sard employs a blend of Dutch commercial archaeology techniques, local practices and the Leiden academic tradition. Intensive field surveys and trial trenches form the backbone of the excavation strategy. Geophysical surveys, drones, and advanced mapping tools—such as the Total Station and GNSS—are utilized to ensure every discovery is recorded with precision

This innovative mix of methods reveals the site’s hidden narrative, setting a new standard in rural archaeology.

Key Discoveries and Insights

Excavations have uncovered Roman ceramics, diverse artifacts, and even an unexpected Islamic burial. These findings shed light on the complex, multi-layered history of the site and hint at evolving functions over time. By precisely mapping the site's boundaries, the project offers valuable insights into ancient construction, usage, and cultural exchange. The results pave the way for further discoveries in Mallorca’s archaeological landscape.

• landscape
• medieval
• roman
• rural

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