API in Tuscania, Italy: Archaeology Field School summer

Lorenzo de’ Medici runs a four week intensive Archaeology Field School under the professional supervision of the University of Florence and in collaboration with Italian students of the Department of Archaeology. The principle goal of this program is to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a real research and excavation environment while gaining a comprehensive understanding of ancient Etruscan culture and archaeological methods. The Archaeology Field School is a unique opportunity for students to participate in an archaeological excavation as well as to receive undergraduate level coursework at the 2nd and 3rd academic year within the North American system. At the school’s campus in Tuscania and on selected field trips students will explore major features of Etruscan culture and the methodologies utilized in classical archaeology. Participants will play a full role in the excavation of an Etruscan necropolis near Tuscania, currently in phase four of its exploration. By examining material evidence, so abundant in this region, students will be given the opportunity to learn about the lives of the ancient Etruscans from archaeological evidence and literary sources. Whether you are a current archaeology or anthropology student or simply someone interested in learning more about the subject, this program will provide an exciting and unique opportunity for a first-hand look at archaeological fieldwork. Applicants should contact the API office for further details about the program. A maximum of 15 students and a minimum of 5 students are admitted, with preference given to early applicants.

The course aims at supplying both a chronological and diachronic approach to the study of the Etruscan civilization with special emphasis on field work at a nearby Etruscan archaeological site, currently in phase four of its exploration, where participants will meet and work with students from the University of Florence. Students will earn 3-6 credits in anthropology or archaeology. Classroom lectures are held in addition to the onsite fieldwork. Topics include: The origins of the Etruscans: the birth and expansion of the Etruscan peoples. Theories, methods and practice in archaeology. Analysis of historical and archaeological sources as means for reconstructing the past. Etruscan architecture and sacred space. Etruscan social and political organization and religion. Discussion of tomb paintings, ceramics, household implements. Preserving the Etruscans artifacts. Techniques, with examples of fieldwork carried out both in Tuscania and in the rest of Italy.