2027 Archaeology of Death at Pompeii, Italy

Location: 80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Season: July 4, 2027 to July 31, 2027

Application Deadline: July 3, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2027-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:

During the 1990’s, the Italian Government wanted to expand the rail system and initiated archaeological study along the planned rail tracks. By 1998, excavators discovered that a very large Roman cemetery lay just under the planned rail expansion. The entire project was discarded, and the area was left half exposed, deteriorating by the elements. The abandoned excavation established a few facts: (1) That a large cemetery was present just opposite the Porta Sarno, the oldest city gate at Pompeii. (2) That  dozens of monumental tombs were present, likely belonging to illustrious citizen of ancient Pompeii; (3) That tombstones indicate burial both before and after the earthquake of 62 CE; (4) That the cemetery, just opposite the main road leading to Pompeii – the Via dell´Abbondanza – has likely been used for a very long time and may contain evidence of both pre Roman and Roman burials, and (5) That the abandoned excavations demonstrated excellent preservation of material record both of structures and of human remains.

The initial excavators published no report. The site’s rapid deterioration and important significance for the understanding of ancient Pompeii motivated us to begin extensive excavation at the area in 2017. By 2025, we added excavations at the Porta Nola necropolis, so comparative studies between the two necropoli may take place.

The study of Porta Sarno & Porta Nola necropoli 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.

The excavations at the Pompeii necropoli are a multidisciplinary project with the participation of a diverse group of experts. Both the human biological evidence and associated artifacts and features are studied to understand context, stratigraphy and cultural evolution. The program uses traditional excavation technique – trowels and shovels, sifting and sorting – as well at advanced analytical instruments, such as Total Stations, Portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF), and others.

Human burial at both Necropoli includes both inhumations and cremated deposits. Given the density of material record found elsewhere at the site, we anticipate a rich archaeological record that will include both human remains and artifacts.

The Porta Sarno Necropolis is part of the ancient city of Pompeii but located outside the site’s contemporary security fences. That fortunate location allows us much flexibility with working hours and the ability to work without the constant distraction of tourists and visitors. The Porta Nola Necropolis is located within the park security fence, but far from tourist activity.   Notwithstanding the above, we are still working in ancient cemeteries and respect for the dead is paramount to all our activities.

The relationships to and study of human remains in Europe differs widely from those practiced in North America. This is the result of different archaeological histories, traditions, and cultural norms. Archaeology in North American is almost exclusively part of anthropology and under the Social Sciences, emerging from the historical & intellectual tradition for the study of the “other”. In Europe, archaeology is a standalone discipline, usually within the Humanities, studying the past of the “collective ancestors”. These differences will be discussed broadly during the program, exploring the origin and current manifestation of cultural preferences and its relationships to death in each region. While we plan to have lively discussions, our goal is to present students with the different traditions and their reasoning, not to suggest one is better than the other.

This program and its strong emphasis on the careful analytical study of cremated remains is relevant to students who wish to study Roman history, bioarchaeology and physical anthropology. The program will also serve well students who are interested in forensic studies of human remains and students interested in pursuing medical careers.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman Period

Notes:
Tuition is $5,405; 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