Written by Amelia Webster, Senior in Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Biology with a minor in Mycology on the pre-med track.  

This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Poland to participate in the Slavia Field School in Mortuary Archaeology, located in the small village of Giecz. As a student of forensic anthropology and biology at Ohio State, I’ve spent years studying human remains with some experience in recent remains, but nothing could have compared to the hands-on experience with medieval- aged remains I gained while studying in one of Poland’s richest archaeological regions.

Giecz, though quiet and remote, is steeped in medieval history. Over the course of several weeks, I received advanced training in osteology, learning how to assess age, biological sex, pathology, and even some signs of trauma from human skeletal remains excavated from the region's medieval cemetery. Unlike traditional classroom settings, this course gave me the rare chance to work directly with individuals who lived nearly a thousand years ago. I was able to handle, clean, and document actual human bones, developing my skills in skeletal analysis through the study of authentic archaeological material. We not only got to experience human remains, but also pottery, tools, and structures that were unearthed as well! 

In addition to our work in the lab and field, I had the chance to explore the nearby city of Poznań, which is one of Poland’s most vibrant cities. From strolling through the bright and colorful Old Market Square to tasting pierogi at local cafes, I truly fell in love with the city’s blend of historical depth and youthful energy. The contrast between the ancient burial grounds in Giecz and the bustling streets of Poznań reminded me of the powerful continuum between past and present that archaeology so beautifully highlights. In medieval times, these people’s lives were so different yet so similar to ours, and feeling that firsthand is very exciting and moving.  

This field school not only deepened my academic knowledge but also affirmed my passion for working at the intersection of anthropology, medicine, and human history. Being trusted with the care and study of real human remains carries a weight of responsibility that I now understand more fully. The experience left me with a profound sense of respect for the dead, the cultures that came before us, and the vital role that ethical archaeology plays in telling their stories. 

I returned to the United States with new technical skills, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Poland’s cultural and academic contributions to the field of forensic anthropology. My time in Giecz has become a cornerstone of my journey toward a career in forensic pathology and anthropology!