“La Biagiola” International School of Archaeology (B.I.S.A.)

Location: Strada Provinciale Montebuono, 12, 58010 Sorano GR, Italy

Season: February 18, 2024 to March 10, 2024

Session Dates: February, 18-24 = € 900; February, 24-March 3 = € 900; March, 3-10 = € 900; Whole session (February 18-March, 10= 2500 €).

Application Deadline: December 31, 2023

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.culturaterritorio.org/associazione-cultura-e-territorio-act/b-i-s-a/

Discount for AIA members: AIA members will get 10% reduction

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Associazione "Cultura e Territorio", Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio (SABAP) per le Province di Siena, Grosseto e Arezzo

Project Director:
Dr. Luca Mario Nejrotti

Project Description:

“The Stone and the River: MASTERCLASS” project is a comprehensive and immersive (one-three weeks) program offering an unparalleled journey into the depths of ancient Etruscan, Roman, and Lombard civilizations.
This unique opportunity allows participants to uncover the rich tapestry of history through an innovative blend of traditional Landscape Archaeology and cutting-edge technology, with a strong focus on state-of-the-art 3D modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The “la Biagiola” special programs for students provide a first-hand experience from the fieldwork activities to the communication to the public.
This fall we are going to provide an exciting opportunity for a first-hand experience in a landscape archaeology study, on a region which history spans from prehistory to Middle Ages.
You’ll take part in the archaeological survey, working alongside expert archaeologists and foreign fellow students.
You’ll learn the latest digital technologies in architectural survey, simultaneous localization and mapping (S.L.A.M.), photogrammetry, and 3d rendering, right on the field.
This program is offered in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Office of Tuscany, the regional authority that manages archaeological sites and monuments.
In addition to the archaeological experience, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of cultural sites, historic monuments, and natural sites of Tuscany.
B.I.S.A. program is open to all students of archaeology, anthropology, and related disciplines.

Featured disciplines

Anthropology, Archaeology, Digital Skills, and Museology.

Coursework

Students will experience all aspects of an archaeological career; fieldwork, landscape archaeology approaches, architectural archaeology, burial archaeology, scientific analysis, 3d modeling, photogrammetry, S.L.A.M. technologies, and cutting-edge open source digital archaeology. Moreover, coursework will explore and focus on the major features of ancient Etruscan, Roman and Early-Medieval cultures.

“The Stone and the River” project

Human settlement in this land is closely related to the river and the rocky landscape features.

The project consists in the diachronic investigation of this relationship, through the study of the traces that man has left in the rock over time: building (castles, churches, villas, sanctuaries, and hamlets) and carving (necropolis, hermitages, canals, and roads).
Furthermore, using the most modern technologies, photogrammetric surveys and three-dimensional models of the most significant sites will be created.

The 2024 WINTER MASTERCLASS
After the remarkable outcomes of the previous archaeological survey campaigns, we are ready to sum up and teach our students the latest tricks and applications of modern digital reconstructions (Agisoft Metashape)and open-source Geographic Information Systems (QGIS).
Throughout the program, participants will engage in hands-on experiences, guided by expert archaeologists, historians, and technologists who are at the forefront of their respective fields. By delving into the realms of 3D modeling, attendees will learn how to transform fragmented artifacts and ancient structures into meticulously detailed virtual reconstructions, breathing new life into the past. This dynamic approach not only enhances our understanding of these civilizations but also offers fresh insights into their architecture, daily life, and cultural practices.
Furthermore, the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into this masterclass empowers participants to analyze and interpret spatial data like never before. By overlaying historical maps, topographical information, and archaeological findings onto digital landscapes, attendees will unravel the intricate relationships between settlements, trade routes, and geographical features. This multidimensional perspective opens avenues for groundbreaking research and allows for a more comprehensive understandig of how these societies flourished in their unique contexts.
The trainees will be guided through this new adventure by a team of skillful archaeologists who will be able to explain clearly every aspect of the research process.

Since the project is located in the middle of a rich archaeological area, several cultural excursions in the surroundings are planned, such as the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana, the impressive Hewn Roads, Sorano, Manciano and Pitigliano museums and castles.

Not to forget the various leisure activities that are also included: Bolsena Lake, Saturnia baths and the numerous festivals will make the experience enjoyable and unforgettable.

Period(s) of Occupation: From early Etruscan time to late Middle Ages

Notes:
In order to ensure optimal learning and the most effective engagement in the workshops, the masterclass has a maximum of 3 participants per session. Participation of larger groups can be considered upon request, but it will involve adjustments to logistics and field organization. Although the school will have a specific focus on survey and technologies applied to landscape archaeology, our friendship with the "Città del Tufo" park (https://cittadeltufo.com/) will continue and our students may have the opportunity to collaborate in the excavation of new Etruscan tombs, for the expansion of the park, or in a small in-depth investigation of the multilayered site of "la Biagiola".

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Applicants must attend at list one shift (7 days)

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: The Winter Masterclass is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in Archaeology. Admission is limited to 3 students per shift. No prerequisites are requested for the School: students will be adequately trained during the campaign.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Arrival and departure: students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Italy. The Master Class is taking place in the municipality of Sorano (GR), in the south of Tuscany, personnel are authorized to transport to and from the Pitigliano bus station. Accommodations: students will be accommodated in a modern facility in the Tuscan countryside, in triple-bed rooms with private bathrooms, close to the premises where communal activities and teaching will take place. The school house address is: Montebuono, 58010 Sorano GR Meals: lunch and dinner, consisting of typical Italian dishes, will be consumed at the accommodation (International School fee only includes water; all other drinks are not included). Breakfast (consisting of coffee, milk, tea or cappuccino and pastries) will be consumed at the accommodation. On Saturdays no dinner will be provided by staff. On Sunday no lunch will be provided by staff. Every effort will be made to accommodate students with food allergies (nuts, shellfish, etc.); students with food allergies are required to inform the staff of their specific dietary restrictions upon application. We also will try to accommodate individual lifestyles and dietary choices (e.g. vegetarianism) too: student must inform the staff of any special request upon application, no special dietary request after application will be taken in consideration. More info in the brochure and at www.culturaterritorio.org

Academic Credit:
In order to enable students to gain credits from their University, a signed certificate will be issued, testifying all the activities of the School in details. The tuition includes both educational and room and board.