Acropoli of Populonia Archaeological Field School – Session 2

About

This Archaeology Summer School takes place in the scenic medieval castle of Populonia, overlooking the Gulf of Baratti and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Once a prominent Etruscan and Roman city, the site is located in the heart of Tuscany, near Florence, Pisa, and Siena, within the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.

The Summer School will be repeated in two sessions: 19-31 May 2025 and 2-13 June 2025. In both cases the registration deadline is 4 April 2025.

Each session features hands-on fieeldwork in archaeological excavation, creation of scientific documentation (graphic, photographic, and written), and a ceramics workshop using finds from the excavations.
Lectures cover topics such as stratigraphy, the historical and cultural context of the site, material culture, and include educational visits to local museums and archaeological sites.
All activities are led by professional staff involved in the University of Pisa’s ongoing investigations on the Acropolis of Populonia, with participation from Italian students to foster collaboration and exchange.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will complete a final assessment on the knowledge and skills acquired, which will contribute to their overall evaluation.

Participants will stay in a guesthouse managed by the Ministry of Culture within the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.
The guesthouse is equipped with a kitchen, shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Food will be provided via grocery deliveries, with participants responsible for preparing their own meals. Participants should provide a certificate or self-declaration of any food allergies or intolerances.

Participant's personal requirements and mandatory equipment (each participant must provide independently):

- Tetanus vaccination certificate
- Medical certificate of good health or fitness for work
- Safety clothing, including reinforced-toe safety shoes and durable work trousers (long trousers)
- Personal trowel and work gloves (optional)

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

Course leader

Prof. Fabio Fabiani

Target group

Bachelor's and Master’s students, PhD candidates, research fellows, and professionals in relevant fields.

Course aim

The aim of Summer School is the acquisition of knowledge on archaeological research in the study of the ancient world, practicing the stratigraphy method and the drafting of scientific documentation in the field.

Our scientific goal is to gather archaeological data on Roman structures located on the Acropolis hill of the ancient Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia.

The site holds significant archaeological interest, featuring cultural artifacts from the Iron Age settlement of Fufluna/Pupluna, Roman walls on the Acropolis, temples, and other structures. Systematic research has been ongoing since the 1980s, with investigations in the sacred area revealing at least three temples surrounding the Roman forum. Recently, the University of Pisa uncovered a Roman thermal bath complex in the area.

Fee info

The total cost for participation amounts to 2000 euro. This includes tuition fees (incl. the supply of basic DPI - such as work gloves, masks, protective glasses) as well as accomodation, food/meals, transportation to and from the Summer School site (on arrival/departure days) and to and from the excavation site (daily), excavation management costs.