Field school in experimental archaeology at Poggio Imperiale

About

The field school at Poggio Imperiale aims to combine the archaeological excavation to laboratory activities involving a focus on the study of medieval finds, computer applications for the management of archaeological data and especially on the activities of experimental archaeology and living history. The Poggio Imperiale excavation was in fact the subject of a great archaeological communication that provided for the full-scale reconstruction of a part of the Carolingian era village (curtis) dug in the 1990s, called Archeodromo.
It is located in an area adjacent to the archaeological area and is the subject of an intense experimental activity and a historical reconstruction made by the same archaeologists who have led and lead the archaeological excavation and nowadays are also the “villagers”, committed, wearing historical dresses, on reproducing of daily life in the ninth century. Each of them has developed a character linked to one of several medieval crafts (blacksmith, leather worker, carpenter, baker, herbalist, moneyer, candle-maker, etc.) and has therefore investigated the related craft activities. The highlight of this experience is therefore the opportunity to experience the entire cycle of archaeology, from excavation to data management and even the enhancement through new forms of communication and dissemination of content, based on experimentation and historical concreteness to better understand and really live the atmosphere, habits and ways of working, eating, dressing and thinking the time of Charlemagne.

Course leader

Marco Valenti, professor of Medieval Archaeology and Early Medieval Archaology – University of Siena

Target group

The course is open to up to 10 undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students in archaeology, anthropology or allied disciplines from any country and institution and whoever might be interested.

Course aim

As an experimental and reconstructive School, the experience objectives are to provide an overview of the potentialities of living history and experimental archaeology both in understanding the dynamics of archaeological research and complex stratigraphic contexts, as well as in learning how to communicate the acquired historical/archaeological knowledge. Participants will be guided inside the village into a series of activities aimed to the understanding of construction techniques and of the main crafts and daily activities of the Carolingian period. But above all, they will be able to touch the work behind such enterprise of historical reconstruction and dissemination.

Fee info