ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOLS

2026 SUMMER FIELD SCHOOLS IN TUSCANY

For Summer 2026, we are offering two distinct archaeological field schools in southern Tuscany, each providing unique opportunities for students and early-career scholars to gain hands-on excavation experience and expand their academic horizons.

📍 No prior archaeological experience is required.

1. Monteverdi Archaeological Field School

📅 May 22 – June 20, 2026

Excavations focus on the Etruscan sanctuary and Republican village of Podere Cannicci, as well as the deserted medieval settlement of Castellaraccio di Monteverdi. These sites provide a unique opportunity to study settlement dynamics, economic transitions, and cultural interactions in the middle Ombrone Valley.

Training includes:

Stratigraphic excavation methods and recording
Analysis of architecture and built structures
Finds processing (ceramics, glass, metals, coins, bone)
Contextual interpretation and archaeological reporting

Set in the Tuscan countryside near Paganico (Grosseto), the program also engages participants in local heritage initiatives.

2. Buried Identities: The Cathedral and Urban Landscape of Rusellae

📅 June 28 – July 25, 2026

The Rusellae Field School explores one of the most fascinating archaeological contexts in southern Tuscany, where urban life, religious identity, and burial practices can be studied across a long chronological sequence spanning from the Late Etruscan period to the Middle Ages.

Excavations are concentrated on the late antique and early medieval cathedral district, built over the Hadrianic baths, and the surrounding cemetery area and buildings lining the so-called Decumanus. This setting offers a unique opportunity to investigate the transformation of an Etruscan and Roman city into a medieval central place.

Specialized Training at Rusellae

Alongside traditional excavation methods, the Rusellae program offers dedicated laboratory modules in:

Forensic Anthropology – recovery and analysis of human remains in funerary contexts
Bioarchaeology – osteological study to reconstruct health, diet, and demography
Paleopathology – identification and interpretation of ancient diseases
Isotopic and Ancient DNA sampling – cutting-edge approaches to investigate mobility, diet, and genetic heritage

Students will gain both fieldwork experience and specialized lab training, making this program particularly suitable for those interested in bioarchaeology, human osteology, and the intersection of archaeology and science.

Digital Archaeology and AI Applications

Both the Monteverdi and Rusellae Field Schools integrate a strong component of Digital Archaeology and AI-enhanced Cultural Heritage. Beyond excavation and finds analysis, participants will experiment with new technologies that are transforming how archaeology is practiced and communicated.

Training will include:

3D photogrammetry and digital reconstruction of contexts and artifacts
GIS-based spatial analysis for recording and interpreting archaeological data
AI-assisted documentation and interpretation, testing innovative workflows for stratigraphy, finds, and contexts
Interactive digital heritage tools for engaging broader audiences and reimagining the past in virtual environments

By combining traditional archaeological practice with digital experimentation, students will gain first-hand experience in the future of archaeological research, learning how AI and digital heritage approaches can open new perspectives on ancient and medieval landscapes.

Practical Information (both programs)

Number of participants: limited to 10 per program for intensive learning
Host institutions: University at Buffalo (SUNY), Michigan State University, The College of New Jersey, Parchi Archeologici della Maremma, and Associazione Archeologica Odysseus
Accommodation: Monteverdi estate (Grosseto province)
Meals: Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with vegetarian and vegan options
- ⚠️ Please note: For logistical reasons, we cannot accommodate gluten-free diets

Info Session

On Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM (EST) and on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM (EST), there will be a Zoom meeting to learn more about the programs, receive practical information, and ask questions about the project.

To participate, please send an email to as424@buffalo.edu to confirm your attendance.
🔗 The Zoom link is: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/97023872767

Fees (2026, per single Field School)

€4,700 per participant
Early Bird Rate: €4,500 if application and payment are completed by December 28, 2025
Returning Students: €4,200 if enrolled and paid by December 28, 2025

Fees include: lodging, weekday meals, local transport, and excavation tools
Fees exclude: airfare to Italy, train to and from Grosseto, weekend meals, and optional off-site events
Payments are non-refundable

💳 Payment Method
All payments must be made by wire transfer directly to the Associazione Archeologica Odysseus, which oversees the program’s financial administration. Bank details and transfer instructions will be provided upon acceptance.

Application Process

To apply for either program, please prepare:

A one-page cover letter outlining your interest and background.
- ⚠️ Please clearly indicate in the cover letter which Field School you are applying for (Monteverdi or Rusellae).
- Returning students are exempt from the cover letter requirement.
An updated CV/resume
Any dietary restrictions

📧 Send applications to Prof. Alessandro Sebastiani (as424@buffalo.edu)

Early Bird Applications Deadline: December 1, 2025 (to access discounts)
Final Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Notification: all applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission
Latest payment date: March 31, 2026

👉 Whether you choose Monteverdi or Rusellae (or both!), you will contribute to cutting-edge research while gaining excavation skills, international networking opportunities, and an unforgettable cultural experience in Tuscany.