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 Carolina Megale , Dr Francesco Ghizzani Marcia, and Dr Giandomenico De Tommaso. You’ll excavate the Roman maritime settlement of Poggio del Molino, document all finds, carry out experimental archaeology and survey the area surrounding the dig site to collect, clean, and document artifacts such as pottery shards, mosaic, fresco, metal, and coins.
Earthwatch Team Facilitator
An Earthwatch Teen Team Facilitator will join your team to provide additional guidance, supervision, and activity organization for the expedition. Your facilitator will be there to help from the time you step off the plane for the team rendezvous to the end of the expedition. He or she will encourage team spirit by planning events such as team building exercises, presentations, and recreational and cultural activities. If you have any questions or problems during your expedition, such as issues with another student volunteer, homesickness, or an emergency back at home, you should feel comfortable talking to your facilitator. You should also follow the advice and expectations set by your facilitator regarding safety and personal conduct. All Teen Team Facilitators have experience teaching and leading groups of teenagers and are familiar with the team dynamics necessary to make each expedition a success. Remember, your facilitator is there for you! (Teen: Facilitator ratio: ~6:1)
Meals and Accommodations
Accommodation will be in the holiday village (villaggio turistico) 'Orizzonte' a short drive from the research site. You will stay according to gender in ground floor brick-built apartments in attractive surroundings The apartments are all simply furnished with TV, fridge and shower facilities. Breakfast and evening meals will be taken at a nearby restaurant serving local Tuscan food. Project staff will prepare lunches using fresh and local ingredients at the research site, and volunteers will assist with clean-up. The Villagio Orizzonte has two swimming pools, is 30 minutes walk from the beach and has a food market, deli, newsagent and paid access to the internet. The site has 24 hour security, secure safe keeping at reception and coin-operated washing machines. You may also have the opportunity to enjoy evening entertainment, including 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 colour. 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.