Contribution starting at $3,100
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7–13 - Each day filled with impactful activities Includes accommodations, food, and all related research costs

As a paying volunteer, you directly fund scientific research by covering permits, equipment, and other costs while supporting local vendors.

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Archaeology

Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany

Location
Populonia Archaeological Park, Piombino, Tuscany, Italy
Activity Level
Moderate
Lead Scientist
Accommodations
Hotel/Resort/Lodge
Food
Dinner at local restaurants

TYPICAL ITINERARY:

  • DAY 1: Arrival, travel to accommodations, welcome presentation
  • DAYS 2–6: Excavations, catalog artifacts, map excavation sites
  • DAY 7: Departure

You also have the option of joining the expedition for two weeks.


THIS EXPEDITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS AND TEENS!

Learn About Teen Teams

ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers looking for artifacts while on archaeology expedition Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
Artifacts excavated by ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers on Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers on Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers will enjoy this stunning beach and ocean scene while in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers looking for artifacts while on archaeology expedition Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
Artifacts excavated by ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers on Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers on Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers analyzing artifacts in Tuscany
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers will enjoy this stunning beach and ocean scene while in Tuscany

The goal of this expedition is simple: to help experts reconstruct the complex past of Populonia as fully as possible.


For hundreds of years, Populonia was a dominant force in the ironworks industry in the Mediterranean. The city's transition from Etruscan to Roman rule around 250 B.C. did not stop its metalworking activities. In fact, iron exports played a vital role in supporting Roman expansion in Africa, which meant that the ruling class had significant economic interests in the region's industrial production and trade.

As a volunteer, you'll excavate this unique site, uncovering the remains of a Roman fortress, farm, and villa. Your work will focus on a period spanning the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE, providing key details about life in Populonia, its ironworking industry, and the transition from Etruscan to Roman control. You'll participate in hands-on fieldwork, collecting artifacts, analyzing materials, and assisting with conservation efforts.

In addition to excavation, you'll learn essential archaeological techniques like stratigraphy and contribute to research and educational outreach. Your efforts will support protecting this ancient site, helping combat threats like looting, and promoting awareness of its cultural importance.

 

Why It Matters:
The Impact of Volunteer Science

 

As international volunteers who represent the global perspective, your presence and assistance onsite shows that archaeology can be a vehicle of communication and interaction, one that serves the wellbeing of all citizens, whether they were born-and-raised in the territory of Populonia or, like you, came from afar to lend a hand.

—Dr. Carolina Megale,  Lead Scientist

 

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HOW WILL YOU HELP

Most days will begin with a morning briefing, and then you’ll head out to the excavation site, where you will:

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ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø participants looking for artifacts at an archeological dig site in Tuscany
Excavate artifacts

You'll spend most of your time removing the earth around objects with trowels, brushes, and other tools.

A woman record the layout, excavations, and where objects have been uncovered at the dig site.
Map excavation sites

To help record the layout, excavations, and where objects have been uncovered, you will help draw features of the site.

ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers clean and catalog the finds they uncover and analyze the source and age of stones used as building materials.
Record, analyze, and preserve artifacts

Help clean and catalog the finds you uncover and analyze the source and age of stones used as building materials. When you find bits of pottery, you'll try to reconstruct the original vessel. You'll also draw and do some basic conservation of building decorations, such as mosaics.

Field conditions and research needs can change the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

 

Highlights to Explore at this Destination

  • Baratti Beach: A beautiful beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
  • Piombino: A charming town offering scenic views, historic sites, and coastal walks.
  • Follonica: A coastal town known for its sandy beaches, water sports, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Cala Violina: A stunning beach famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique white sand.
  • Rocca di Campiglia: A medieval castle offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's history.

 

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FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

10 Reviews on this Expedition

If you have been on this expedition, others considering attending would love to hear about your experience.
Jeff Olmstead |
You should do this expedition! This was one of the most interesting Expeditions I have participated in. The training lecture by Marika the first day gave us a firm grasp of the tasks we would be expected to accomplish and how they related to the research. The museum visit was an excellent lesson in the history of the area and how it related to our work. Marika and Martina were first class leaders in assigning daily tasks and helping us carry them out to the their, and our own, satisfaction.
Evan Boere |
History, particularly Roman history, was not anything I was interested in during high school. Fast forward a few decades and my interests changed. Participating in the ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø "Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany" Project Dig provided me with a great opportunity to see the archeological process in action. It's not "dig till you find stuff and send it to a museum". This is a small, almost intimate, fortress setting, where we clean a layer, dig a little until the strata changes, capture what we do find, clean it, identify it, mark it, and record it in pictures & documents. In doing this we know we are doing archeology right, by taking the time to try to piece together the puzzle to try to find out how these ancients lived & worked. Drs Marika Grella & Martina Fusi were clearly passionate about the work they do at this site, and they made excellent instructors. I found the week both rewarding & fun, so much so I'm thinking of returning next year.
2024 ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø Participant |
Participating in the excavation at Poggio del Molino was a thrilling experience. After an 'Archeology 101" we were put to work. The archaeologists were knowledgeable, kind and very enthusiastic. Every day brought something new to learn and/or do. To be able to actually pick up an object several thousand years old and be able to admire it in your own hands was an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø.

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