Campus Update

By Donna Yee (November 14, 2007)

Werner Serves as U.S. Principal Investigator for Grant to Preserve Archaeological Site in Serbia

Dr. Michael R. Werner, a professor of classics and Mediterranean archaeology at UAlbany, is the U.S. principal investigator for a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of State from the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation to help preserve the Roman amphitheater at the Viminacium archaeological site in eastern Serbia. The grant proposal was titled, "The Roman Amphitheater at Viminacium, Preservation and Archaeological Evaluation."

The $31,200 grant was signed by U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter on Sept. 13. The signing took place at the archaeological site and was accepted by Dr. Miomir Korac, assistant minister of culture of the Republic of Serbia and Viminacium project director.

In order to place the site under protection of law as a cultural monument, it must first be evaluated to determine the extent of the site and state of preservation. The funds will be used for this evaluation. This archaeological complex includes a legionary camp, civilian settlement, and river port. It is managed by the Archaeological Institute, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and is located near the town of Kostolac in the municipality of Pozarevac.

The American Embassy in Belgrade regards this project as a symbol of respect from the American people for Serbia's cultural heritage, as well as a sign of strong ties between Serbians and Americans.

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation was established by Congress in 2001 to help countries around the world preserve historic sites, manuscripts, museum collections, and culture. The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation has helped support three other projects in Serbia. Its funds have helped restore an elementary school in Novi Pazar, renovate the facade of the Memorial School in Orasac, and reconstruct the roof of the Rakovica Monastery.