2026 Archaeology of Death at Pompeii, Italy

Location: 80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Season: July 5, 2026 to August 1, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-italy-pompeii/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Valencia (Spain) & Anthropocene Research Center (US)

Project Director:
Dr. Llorenç Alapont Martin

Project Description:

The program focuses on the archaeology of death during the Roman Period at Pompeii. It is a forensic archaeology field school, where students excavate two different necropoli just outside the ancient gates of Peompii – the necropolis of Porta Sarno & and the necropolis Porta Nola.

The program offers an exceptional opportunity to investigate Roman society and its unique views of life and the afterlife. The study of the necropoli monuments, tombs, roads, walls, material culture and biological remains provide for contextual and careful understanding of how the funerary space was managed by the ancient inhabitants of Pompeii. Given the extensive excavations elsewhere at Pompeii, we can study how the necropoli evolved in relation to urbanism, legislation, religion, and the history of the city.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman Period

Notes:
Tuition is $5,340; Earn 8 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is hands-on, experiential learning and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors and will get sweaty and tired. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and adequate understanding that field work requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program provides accommodation, breakfast & lunch. Students are responsible for their own dinners. Pompeii is a tourist town with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and fast/street food, both Italian and international. Students can find great dinners at a wide range of prices.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College