On the Expedition

Help save the cultural treasures of a Roman villa overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea along Tuscany’s stunning central coast.

You’ll help save a nearly-forgotten treasure trove of ancient Roman culture and enrich Tuscany’s archaeological heritage as you join Dr. Andrea Camilli, Dr. Giandomenico De Tommaso, Dr. Carolina Megale, Dr. Francesco Ghizzani Marcia, and archaeologist Luciano Giannoni. You’ll excavate the Roman maritime settlement of Poggio del Molino, document all finds, collect organic samples with a palaeobothanist, and survey the area surrounding the dig site to collect, clean, and document artifacts such as pottery shards, metal, and coins.

Meals and Accommodations

You’ll stay in simple-but-comfortable apartments in the quite village of Populonia Station, about 5km/3.2 miles away from the site. The apartments feature modern furnishings, beds, flush toilets, electricity, gas heat, hot showers, kitchen facilities, and internet access.

You’ll participate in both the preparation and clean-up of all meals, and will have many opportunities to enjoy local wines, desserts, and other culinary delights, as well as traditional cultural events and festivals, depending on the season.

About the Research Area

The site is located in luxuriant green landscape overlooking the sea where the Mediterranean vegetation is particularly varied in species, form and color. You’ll be near the wood-covered Natural Park of Montioni’s Hills as well as the Coastal Park of Sterpaia, which has a rare and highly-prized humid forest, once typical of the landscape of the ancient coast of the Maremma. An important bird and amphibian reserve, Orti Bottagone, is also in close proximity. In Populonia’s own Parco Archeologico di Baratti, there is a famous Etruscan necropolis of monumental tomb mounds, with acropolis temples and a sacred complex, probably dedicated to Venus.

Characteristically medieval towns such as Donoratico, Bolgheri, Suvereto, Sassetta, and Massa Marittima dot the area, all of them famous for their traditional seasonal festivals, excellent wine, and succulent food (especially wild game such as boar). Populonia’s central position on the Tuscan coast makes it easy to reach Pisa, Firenze, Siena, Arezzo, Volterra, Pienza, San Gimignano, and Montalcino in a very short time.