ANT / ANC / HIS - 282 / 283 T - 6 Credits

Lorenzo de' Medici and CAMNES run a four-week intensive Archaeology Field School under the direction of a team of professional archaeologists. This program gives the opportunity to learn and work in a real excavation environment while gaining an understanding of ancient Etruscan culture and archaeological methods. In previous sessions of the Field School students have uncovered important archaeological finds such as a mirror with incised gods, now exhibited at the National Museum of Tuscania. Students play an active role in the excavation of the Etruscan necropolis (city of dead) near Tuscania. Through field trips and by examining the abundance of materials found in this region, students learn about the lives of the ancient Etruscans from archaeological evidence and literary sources. This program is an exciting and unique opportunity for a firsthand look at archaeological fieldwork and a new approach in understanding ancient civilizations. 



 

The archaeological area of Tuscania (VT) consists of several necropolises (cemeteries) that stretch all around the modern town and that probably corresponded to different settlement cores, which haven't been brought to light yet. LdM started to investigate two newly discovered "cities of the dead", Pian delle Rusciare and Podere Pratino in 2005, with the support of CAMNES. Both necropolises are from the 3^rd-2^nd century BC (Hellenistic period) and have ipogeum tombs. In these underground environments, Etruscans buried their dead and deposited their belongings when celebrating funerary rituals. Many tombs had been violated over the years; however several have been left intact revealing an incredible number of ancient artifacts. Tomb N.20, for example, held 47 graves with a total of over 450 objects that LdM students and CAMNES are currently restoring in the 'Archaeology Workshop' course in Florence. 




 

• Please consult the Health and Safety section (https://ldminstitute.com/ students/health-and-safety/) on the LdM website to learn about the Covid-19 related requirements to attend LdM courses
• An up-to-date tetanus inoculation
• International Medical / travel insurance
• It is of paramount importance that every student communicates to the enrollment offices any allergies, food intolerances or any kind of medical issues upon enrollment.
• No prerequisites and no experience of archaeology or knowledge of Italian are needed. The principal qualifications include a strong academic record, a desire to learn more about archaeology and the Etruscan civilization, and an enthusiasm to dig.
• Participants must bear in mind that the archaeological field school of Tuscania is a full-time workshop within a professional archaeological research project that includes a five day per week involvement including lessons, archaeological field activities and visits. Participants have Saturdays and Sundays off.
• The schedule includes a lot of fieldwork and walking during field trips. While at the archaeological site, fieldwork requires digging, stooping, bending and exposure to sun, wind and/or rain. This field school is not recommended to participants with allergies to sun and/or dust. 

TUITION AND APPLICATION
Prospective applicants must contact Lorenzo de' Medici for further details about the program and how to apply.
A maximum of 20 participants are accepted, with preference given to early applicants.

Deadline for applications: May 15th, 2024

The Tuition Fee includes

• the entire course for a minimum of 148 contact hours and 6 credits (no additional registration fees required)
• transfer from Rome International Airport ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ to Tuscania and back
• accommodation in a typical and suggestive B&B, double room with private bathroom
• weekday breakfast at the B&B or at a Café, weekday lunch at the excavation
• travel connected with course related activities
• scheduled museum entries
• social and cultural events organized by the institute 

The necropolis is within the Caponetti property nearby Tuscania (VT, Italy)