From 14 to 27 July 2026, the Institute of Archaeology, Viminacium Archaeological Park, and the Association for Educational Exchange between China and Serbia organized an international summer school for students from Beijing Union University and Shandong University. The programme aimed to introduce participants to archaeological research, cultural heritage protection, contemporary methods of heritage interpretation, and the rich cultural and historical heritage of Serbia.

During the two-week programme, the students actively participated in eight archaeological excavation sessions at Viminacium, gaining valuable hands-on experience at one of the most important Roman cities in the Balkans. In addition to fieldwork, the programme included a diverse series of lectures, workshops, and study visits, enabling participants to explore cultural heritage from a wide range of professional perspectives.

The participants attended lectures and workshops covering physical anthropology, zooarchaeology, conservation and restoration, ancient building materials and construction techniques, digital archaeology, geophysics, cultural heritage management, European projects and community engagement, as well as cultural heritage interpretation and digital storytelling. The practical workshops on Roman cuisine, conservation, heritage interpretation through the role of Viminacium guides, and the use of the GreenHeritage Minecraft educational platform attracted particular interest. The programme was further enriched by lectures on the archaeological excavations at Viminacium, the history of archaeological research, Roman magic, and evening film screenings dedicated to Viminacium and Serbian traditions.

In addition to the activities at Viminacium, the students visited numerous archaeological sites and museums across Serbia. Study excursions were organized to the Smederevo Fortress, the National Museum of Požarevac, Ram Fortress, Golubac Fortress, Lepenski Vir, Petrovaradin Fortress, and Sremski Karlovci, as well as to some of Belgrade’s most important cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Serbia, the Museum of Frescoes, Belgrade Fortress, the Temple of Saint Sava, the Museum of Yugoslavia, and the China Cultural Centre in Belgrade.

Through an intensive programme of lectures, practical training, and international exchange, the summer school once again confirmed Viminacium as a unique platform for connecting archaeology, cultural heritage protection, modern technologies, and international cooperation. The programme provided students with first-hand experience of contemporary methodologies in archaeological research and heritage interpretation, while fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Serbia and China.

We extend our special thanks to the GreenHeritage (Creative Europe), MoDeCo2000, and AMULUM projects, whose methodologies and results formed an integral part of the workshops and lectures delivered throughout the summer school.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all members of the Viminacium team whose lectures, workshops, and organizational efforts contributed to the successful implementation of the programme: Ljubomir Jevtović, Ivan Bogdanović, Nemanja Mrđić, Jelena Anđelković Grašar, Angelina Raičković Savić, Bojana Zorić, Emilija Nikolić, Ilija Mikić, Petar Kojadinović, Dragana Gavrilović, Kristina Ponjavić Višnjić, Ilija Danković, as well as Slađana Nešković and Aleksa Vlajnić, who provided daily support to the participants throughout their stay at Viminacium. Their expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm made this summer school an exceptional experience for all participants and once again confirmed Viminacium as an international centre for education, research, and knowledge exchange in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage.