Constructing Local identity through the Lens of Archaeological Knowledge: A case study on the Black Sea, Sozopol, Bulgaria

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Communities of Engagement: Incorporating Deep Time and Slow Science into Community Based Research Projects" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This part of the presentation explores the dynamic relationship between the ancient Greek colonial site of Apollonia Pontica, founded in the 7th century BCE on the Black Sea, and the modern town of Sozopol, Bulgaria. Apollonia Pontica was a significant trading and cultural hub in the ancient world, renowned for its large bronze statue of Apollo and strategic maritime location. Today, its archaeological remnants are deeply ingrained into Sozopol's identity, as local heritage sites and museum collections preserve and present its legacy.

This research project will further examine how archaeological knowledge from Apollonia Pontica has been incorporated into local lore, contributing to modern Bulgarian identity. By exploring local interactions with the ongoing excavation, this project not only highlights the role of archaeological knowledge, but how it shapes contemporary narratives of modern identity. This study is part of the broader discussion on community-based research, advocating for a slow science approach to archaeology that emphasizes ethical collaboration with local communities. The case of Apollonia Pontica exemplifies the importance of involving local stakeholders, like the museum in Sozopol, ensuring that archaeological knowledge is not only preserved but also accessible and relevant to those who live alongside the remnants of ancient civilizations.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• Communities of Engagement: Incorporating Deep Time and Slow Science into Community Based Research Projects

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 53246