The University of Pisa has returned to the field to investigate Roman Populonia, lauching the second archaeological excavation campaign on the Acropolis, in the heart of the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia. Since mid-May, students and researchers have been engaged in comprehensive educational and scientific activities under the scientific direction of Professor Fabio Fabiani, lecturer in Classical Archaeology at the Department of Civilisations and Forms of Knowledge.
The project offers a well-rounded training experience, involving students in all phases of archaeological investigation, from excavation to documentation and survey, to artifact cataloguing and registration.
The Populonia site – a rare example of an Etruscan city overlooking the sea – continues to reveal important evidence of both the Etruscan and Roman periods. “In particular, investigations are focusing on the area of the public baths of the Acropolis, during a period when Populonia, already integrated into the Roman political and commercial system, played a crucial role in the production and distribution of iron destined for Rome, engaged in the long war with Carthage.”
The campaign is not limited to the academic field. To enhance the site and engage the public, the research group of the University of Pisa, in collaboration with Parchi Val di Cornia and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per le province di Pisa e Livorno, organised an open day at the excavation site. Visitors will be able to observe ongoing activities, learn about the initial research findings, and engage in discussions with the archaeologists.
The event titled “Gli archeologi raccontano” will take place on Thursday, 12 June at 4:30 p.m., with a meeting point at 4:15 p.m. at the ticket office of the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia. The event is free and included with the Park entry ticket. We recommend booking in advance: 0565 226445, prenotazioni@parchivaldicornia.it, www.parchivaldicornia.it.
At 5:45 p.m., there will be a fundraising aperitif at the Torre di Baratti, with the participation of FISAR Costa Etrusca and Le Due Valli, the Consorzio Suvereto Val di Cornia for the wine selection, Caseificio Podere Paterno e Conad Nord Ovest. The proceeds will support ongoing research activities at the site.
For aperitif reservations: archeopopuloniaunipi24@gmail.com.
