Acropoli of Populonia Archaeological Field School ~ UNIPI

Language: English

Period:
1st session: 8 – 19 June 2026
2nd session: 22 June – 3 July 2026

Application Deadline: 1 May 2026

Program Intensity: Full-time

ECTS: 3

Tuition fees: 1000€
(The tuition fees include also the supply of basic DPI such as work gloves, masks, protective glasses)

Accomodation costs: 1000€
(The accomodation costs cover accomodation, food/meals, transportation to and from the Summer School site (on arrival/departure days) and to and from the excavation site (daily), excavation management costs)

This Archaeology Summer School takes place in the breathtaking setting of Populonia, a medieval hilltop castle overlooking the Gulf of Baratti and the enchanting islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Once a thriving Etruscan and Roman city, Populonia lies in the heart of Tuscany, just a short trip from Florence, Pisa, and Siena, within the renowned Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia.

Each session offers immersive, hands-on fieldwork focusing on the excavation of a Roman-era thermal bath complex, including: archaeological excavation and stratigraphic analysis; scientific documentation (graphic, photographic, and written records); specialized ceramics workshop featuring materials uncovered during the excavations.

Complementing the fieldwork, lectures and guided activities explore topics such as stratigraphy, the historical and cultural signifi cance of the site, and the study of material culture, along with educational visits to local museums and archaeological sites.

All activities are led by professional archaeologists engaged in the University of Pisa’s ongoing research on the Acropolis of Populonia, ensuring a high-level learning experience. Italian archaeology students will also take part, fostering a dynamic environment of collaboration and cultural exchange.

At the end of the program, participants will undertake a final assessment to evaluate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course.

Accommodation is provided at a guesthouse managed by the Italian Ministry of Culture, located within the Archaeological Park itself. The facility includes a kitchen, shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and laundry services.

Each session of the Summer School will be activated with at least 4 students. The maximum number of participants is set to 12 students per session.

The Summer School will be held on campus in Località Baratti, Piombino (Livorno), at Parco Archeologico di Baratti e Populonia.

Aim

The main goal of the Summer School is to provide participants with a solid foundation in archaeological research methods applied to the study of the ancient world.

Students will gain practical experience in stratigraphic excavation techniques and in the production of scientific documentation directly in the field.

From a scientific perspective, the project aims to collect and analyze archaeological data related to Roman structures located on the Acropolis hill of the ancient Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia. In particular, the University of Pisa is currently investigating a Roman thermal bath complex, shedding new light on the origins of one of the most iconic social trends of the Roman world: the custom of going to the thermal baths.

Who can apply

Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, research fellows, and professionals in disciplines related to archaeology.

Application

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to to be either Bachelor’s/Master’s students or PhD candidates or research fellows or professionals in disciplines related to archaeology.

Required documents

Identity Document (PASSPORT in case you are a foreign student)
Enrolment Form
Curriculum Vitae
Certificate of enrollment in a degree program related to archaeology or degree in archaeology
Proof of tetanus vaccination
Medical certificate of good health or fitness to work

All the documents must be in pdf format, in order to upload them on the portal when required.

Application has to be submitted via Alice portal following the instructions of the “How to apply” page.

Fees

Tuition fees: 1000€
(The tuition fees include also the supply of basic DPI such as work gloves, masks, protective glasses)

Pay fees by Debit/Credit Card or PayPal online using the following: Payment Form.

Notice:

International students without Italian Tax Code: please tick the box ‘Anonymous’ in order to disable the field ‘Italian personal ID/VAT number’.
Please type your NAME and SURNAME next to the pre-filled text of the field ‘Reason’.
Please pay only after receiving the admission letter.
Both tuition fees (1.000 euro) and accomodation costs (1.000 euro) are included in the total amount.

Refund policy:

By 1 May 2026 (included) a 50% of the fees already paid will be refunded for proven and serious family and/or health reasons. The reasons and supporting documents related to refund requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
After 1 May 2026 there will be no refund of the paid tution fees.

Contacts

Scientific Coordinator

Prof. Fabio Fabiani

fabio.fabiani@unipi.it

Summer/Winter School Office

support.summerschool@unipi.it

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Acropoli of Populonia Archaeological Field School

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