The Field School

Eighth Field School at Monteverdi

May 25 – June 21, 2025

The Call for the 2025 Monteverdi Archaeological Field School is now closed as we reached the number of participants

The field school excavations focus on the remains of the Etruscan sanctuary and Republican village of Podere Cannicci, and on the deserted Medieval village of Castellaraccio di Monteverdi, along with the middle valley of the Ombrone river. These sites represent a unique occasion to investigate economies in transition and settlement patterns in the territory of Paganico.

The Field School is aimed at students, early career scholars, and those passionate about archaeology, classics, art history, anthropology, and cultural heritage management.

Click here for a full bibliography on the research at Monteverdi!

No prior experience is required.

The number of participants is limited to 10 to ensure an exceptional learning experience. 

The excavations are carried out by members of the University at Buffalo – SUNY in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology at Michigan State University, and the Associazione Archeologica Odysseus.

The Field School is a fundamental introduction to stratigraphic excavation methods and to studies of excavated artifacts. Subjects include excavation methods and their application, analysis of built structures and archaeological features, context analysis, finds handling and recording, and studies of ceramic, glass, metal, bone, and numismatic material.

The Field School is located near the modern town of Paganico (Grosseto, IT). It is set in the breath-taking middle valley of the Ombrone river close to Montalcino, Siena, and Grosseto.

Food is provided during the workdays of the field school, and it is prepared by the staff of the estate of Monteverdi. We try our best to accommodate dietary requirements, and we can offer vegan, vegetarian, and moderate gluten-free meals. However, meals are based on Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, and all participants must be aware of this. Occasionally, dinner events may take place at the estate, including barbecues or pizza, or at restaurants. Events outside the program are not included in the fees.

Meals include:

  • A full Italian breakfast
  • Lunch with pasta, bread, salad/vegetables, and fruit
  • Dinner with meat or alternatives with bread, salad/vegetables, and fruit

FEES

The fee per participant is 4,250€ (EUR) to be paid upon acceptance into the program by March 31, 2025.

Previous Field School participants are automatically granted a discount, and their fee is 3,850€ (EUR). The payment will be wired to Associazione Archeologica Odysseus, Italy.

The payment is not refundable

The total fee includes:

  • Room and board for four weeks in the cottages at Monteverdi (see rooms)
  • Transportation to and from the train station in Grosseto and the estate on the day of arrival and departure
  • Transportation to and from the excavation sites
  • Necessary excavation tools

The fee does not include:

  • Airfare/travel arrangements to and from Italy
  • Weekend meals (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Occasional events outside the estate, like restaurant dinners or aperitifs
  • Anything else not detailed in the section “The total fee includes“

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

To be considered for the program, please prepare :

1 – Cover letter of no more than 1 page, detailing previous experiences (if any), and your interest in joining the Field School (not necessary for returning students)

2 – Updated resume/CV

3 – Any dietary restrictions – we can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free meals

Email all the necessary documents to Prof. Alessandro Sebastiani as424@buffalo.edu

The extended deadline for submitting all required documents is February 28, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified within a week of their submission.

Upon acceptance into the program, applicants must sign a waiver and submit their payment by March 31, 2025.

Learn more about the Field School from previous students. Check the video below, or go to our video-gallery to see some of our activities!