What was your job in Black Sea MAP?

Deputy Director of the Bulgarian maritime archaeologist team.

What did your role involve?

I participated in all stages of field work conducted by the Black Sea MAP. I worked on the shipwreck surveys, the photogrammetric recording and 3D modelling of the shipwrecks. I was a diver during the Ropotamo (submerged Bronze Age village) underwater excavation and was responsible for the preservation of the archaeological artefacts we found.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I love every aspect of my job, yet like most archaeologists I prefer being out in the field doing hands on archaeology, rather than sitting in an office and dealing with administration.

Which skills do you use in your job?

All of us had to apply a broad variety of skills to this work including specialist scientific knowledge, computer literacy and use of specialist gear and software, competent diving and many others. Foreign languages are important, as English is the official language of the Black Sea MAP, yet not all of us are native speakers. A special skill I’ve brought to the project is digital archaeological illustration of archaeological sites, structures and artefacts.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?

I’d rather say “Everything!”, yet if you wanted me to specify a certain set of experiences, I’d have to say that being a member of the team discovering and exploring over 60 completely preserved sailing ships over 2000 metres beneath the Black Sea has granted me some of the greatest moments of my life.

Which subjects did you study at school?

I went to high school in Bulgaria. Throughout my school years I focused predominantly on studying foreign languages: English, German and some Russian.

What did you study at University?

I studied archaeology, ancient history and historical geography at University in Germany.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led to your current career?

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to become an archaeologist. Since my early childhood I’ve been motivated by my grandfather who was a historian, geographer and a passionate outdoorsman. He took me on trips to remote archaeological sites and thus sparked in me the dream of becoming an archaeologist.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Always follow your dreams.