Acropoli of Populonia Archaeological Field School – Session 1

About

This Archaeology Summer School takes place in the breathtaking setting of Populonia, a medieval hilltop castle overlooking the Gulf of Baratti and the enchanting islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Once a thriving Etruscan and Roman city, Populonia lies in the heart of Tuscany, just a short trip from Florence, Pisa, and Siena, within the renowned Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.

Each session offers immersive, hands-on fieldwork focusing on the excavation of a Roman-era thermal bath complex, including: archaeological excavation and stratigraphic analysis; scientific documentation (graphic, photographic, and written records); specialized ceramics workshop featuring materials uncovered during the excavations.

Complementing the fieldwork, lectures and guided activities explore topics such as stratigraphy, the historical and cultural signifi cance of the site, and the study of material culture, along with educational visits to local museums and archaeological sites.

All activities are led by professional archaeologists engaged in the University of Pisa’s ongoing research on the Acropolis of Populonia, ensuring a high-level learning experience. Italian archaeology students will also take part, fostering a dynamic environment of collaboration and cultural exchange.

At the end of the program, participants will undertake a final assessment to evaluate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course.

Accommodation is provided at a guesthouse managed by the Italian Ministry of Culture, located within the Archaeological Park itself. The facility includes a kitchen, shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and laundry services.

Each session of the Summer School will be activated with at least 4 students. The maximum number of participants is set to 12 students per session.

The Summer School will be held on campus in Località Baratti, Piombino (Livorno), at Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia

Course leader

Prof. Fabiano Fabiani

Target group

Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, research fellows, and professionals in disciplines related to archaeology

Course aim

The main goal of the Summer School is to provide participants with a solid foundation in archaeological research methods applied to the study of the ancient world.

Students will gain practical experience in stratigraphic excavation techniques and in the production of scientific documentation directly in the field.

From a scientific perspective, the project aims to collect and analyze archaeological data related to Roman structures located on the Acropolis hill of the ancient Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia. In particular, the University of Pisa is currently investigating a Roman thermal bath complex, shedding new light on the origins of one of the most iconic social trends of the Roman world: the custom of going to the thermal baths

Fee info