Location: Sassoferrato, Italy
Season: July 9, 2025 to July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: http://www.sentinumproject.org
Discount for AIA members: No
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Hiram College, Kansas City Art Institute
Project Director:
Prof. Matthew Notarian - Hiram College, Prof. Amanda Chen - Kansas City Art Institute, William Ramundt - SUNY Buffalo
Project Description:
The Sentinum City Archaeological Research Project (SCARP) is a new collaboration between Hiram College, the Kansas City Art Institute, the town of Sassoferrato, Italy and the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per le Province di Pesaro e Urbino e Ancona. Its focus is the Roman city of Sentinum, located just outside the modern town of Sassoferrato in the region of Marche, near the east coast of Italy. There is still much to be learned about Sentinum, but current evidence suggests the inhabitants were present on site by at least the 2nd century BCE, if not earlier. Over the centuries it may have been occupied by populations of Umbrian and Gallic peoples before becoming a Roman municipium.
The site is typically associated with the famous Battle of Sentinum, fought in 295 BCE during the Third Samnite War, but whether a settlement existed here at this early date is an open question. Sentinum came under Roman control after the battle, but was allegedly later destroyed in 41-40 BCE after siding with Marc Antony in the civil war against the future emperor Octavian (Augustus). The city was rebuilt under Augustus, perhaps adopting the regular grid plan at this juncture, which it retained throughout the imperial era. This is the period with the most robust extant archaeological evidence, but further excavation may shine light on earlier phases of habitation. The city thrived for several hundred years after the Augustan rebuilding until Gothic invasions in the region in the late 4th/early 5th century CE.
The site was sporadically explored from the 15th through 19th centuries, resulting in the discovery of numerous mosaics, sculptures, and inscriptions, including the famous Aion Mosaic, now in Munich. More official excavations since the 1950s, especially in the early 2000s near the city’s forum, as well as geophysical surveys, have uncovered several public structures and streets, and revealed the city’s urban plan. At least two bath complexes (one inside the city walls, the other extramural), the location of the forum, a foundry, sacred precinct, and various private residences have been excavated to date. Many associated artifacts are housed in the Palazzo dei Priori Civic Archaeological Museum in Sassoferrato.
Based on the promising results of a more recent magnetometry survey, SCARP is working to build on these important efforts by excavating additional areas of the ancient city, particularly residential and commercial structures within the city’s insulae (city blocks) to better understand the history, expanse, and urban organization of Sentinum.
Field Program
SCARP is an archaeological project where student participants learn best practices in archaeological method and theory. In addition to contributing to new archaeological discoveries, you will learn critical archaeological skills and strengthen your ability to think critically. Volunteers are trained to use tools large and small, read and describe stratigraphy, recognize artifacts, and undertake scientific documentation. We also have a robust digital recording protocol that incorporates 3D modeling using photogrammetry, drone flights, iPads, and GIS. All participants rotate through the field and on-site lab to gain first-hand experience excavating, documenting, and conserving artifacts. Our staff of American and Italian archaeologists oversee the excavations and training of volunteers, offer lectures, and lead tours to nearby sites and museums. Volunteers should prepare to attend these supplemental events as part of their archaeological training.
Period(s) of Occupation: Roman Republic; Roman Imperial; Late Antique
Notes:
We will work on site from approximately 8 AM until 4 PM daily, Monday through Friday. In the afternoon, pottery washing and other artifact processing tasks may take place. Weekends are free. Students may choose to stay in Sassoferrato, or travel independently to other locales in the region, such as Ancona, the regional capital, located on the Adriatic sea.
The program fee for the 2025 field season is estimated to be $1500. This fee covers all housing during the field season, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday, field equipment, and transportation to and from the archaeological site. Participants should plan on obtaining their own airfare to Italy, as well as travel to Sassoferrato, weekend meals, independent travel, and any personal expenses.
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2.5 weeks
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: None
Room and Board Arrangements:
SCARP is based in the town of Sassoferrato in the Marche region of Italy. Sassoferrato has been called one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is home to a thriving culture of arts, museums, and dining.
Participants of the archaeological project stay in double rooms at the beautiful Palazzo degli Scalzi, a newly restored 17th century palace in Sassoferratto. Each room in the palazzo features two single beds, a desk, wardrobe, and private bathroom. Wifi is available throughout the palazzo and laundry facilities are available.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided to participants Monday through Friday. Breakfast and dinner are enjoyed at a local restaurant, while lunches are provided in the field during the afternoon break.
Academic Credit:
Optional academic credit is available through Hiram College for additional tuition
