Community Archaeology in Eastern Europe. An Example from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The medieval fortress Soroca represents one of the most important, well-known, and visited historic and cultural sites from the Republic of Moldova. The local public administration initiated a rehabilitation project of the Soroca medieval fortress as a part of a cross-border project (Romania-Ukraine-Moldova). During 2012–2016, we performed the archaeological survey. I discuss in my paper various aspects of that experience: a partnership between scholars, public administration, and citizens, archaeologists from different countries, cooperation with mass media, etc. This experience is a good example of community archaeology, which has significantly impacted future preservation and cultural tourism development in Soroca.