IMPERO Project – Excavations at Rusellae

Location: Scavi Roselle, 58100 Grosseto GR, Italy

Season: June 28, 2026 to July 25, 2026

Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://imperoproject.com/impero-project-archaeological-field-schools/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University at Buffalo; Michigan State University

Project Director:
Prof. Alessandro Sebastiani (SUNY) and Prof. Todd Fenton (MSU)

Project Description:

The Rusellae Field School explores one of the most fascinating archaeological contexts in southern Tuscany, where urban life, religious identity, and burial practices can be studied across a long chronological sequence spanning from the Late Etruscan period to the Middle Ages.

Excavations are concentrated on the late antique and early medieval cathedral district, built over the Hadrianic baths, and the surrounding cemetery area and buildings lining the so-called Decumanus. This setting offers a unique opportunity to investigate the transformation of an Etruscan and Roman city into a medieval central place.

Specialized Training at Rusellae

Alongside traditional excavation methods, the Rusellae program offers dedicated laboratory modules in:

• Forensic Anthropology – recovery and analysis of human remains in funerary contexts
• Bioarchaeology – osteological study to reconstruct health, diet, and demography
• Paleopathology – identification and interpretation of ancient diseases
• Isotopic and Ancient DNA sampling – cutting-edge approaches to investigate mobility, diet, and genetic heritage

Students will gain both fieldwork experience and specialized lab training, making this program particularly suitable for those interested in bioarchaeology, human osteology, and the intersection of archaeology and science.

Period(s) of Occupation: Medieval period, Late Antiquity, Roman period, Etruscan period

Notes:
Early Bird Applications Deadline: December 1, 2025 (to access discounts) Final Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 Notification: all applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission Latest payment date: March 31, 2026

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Entire period

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
The properties you will be staying in are in traditional Tuscan stone houses and are comfortable and recently renovated, and enjoy spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside and all on the estate. The bedrooms are large and light and each property has Wifi and a TV. The nearest village is Paganico (5 mins drive), which has ATMs, supermarkets, cafes, laundry and other facilities. The nearest two cities are Grosseto and Siena, while the nearest beaches are about half an hour away. Public transports from Paganico can provide you a day trip to Rome, Siena, Grosseto or Florence quite easily. You will be catered for by the estate staff – breakfast will be in your individual houses; lunch and dinner all together in one of the houses. Generally breakfasts will be continental, lunch a cold pasta salad/rice salad etc, while dinner will be more substantial, and the cuisine will be Tuscan.