Taught at the Alberese Archaeological Field School in Tuscany (Italy) July 20-August 21, 2015

The course provides students with firm practical experience of methods of handling, classifying and recording archaeological finds, and introduces them to methods of archaeological stratigraphic recording. This forms the basis for a well-grounded understanding of the techniques of contextualizing and interpreting archaeological materials. The course encourages students to consider the results in a historical and regional context, and hence to develop a good comprehension of archaeological research approaches.

The course combines practical learning projects with seminars and lectures. It will introduce students to the study of ceramics, glass, metal objects, bone, and numismatics material. Seminars and lectures will consider specialized topics like stratigraphic recording methods, conservation and storage, artifact assemblages, the history of the region, and considerations of the ancient economy. Visits to neighboring sites and museums are encouraged in order to contextualize the archaeological data and encourage considerations of museological approaches to archaeology.

The course forms part of a Research Project that investigates international exchange networks and settlement patterns in Roman central Italy between the mid-Republican period and late Antiquity. As well as the Rural Villa under investigation, the project also encompasses a series of related excavations: a temple sanctuary dedicated to Diana, a river port, and an extensive workshop complex.

The primary components of the course are:

·      Training in handling and analysis of artifacts and objects. Subjects covered include primary cleaning, conservation and storage of finds of diverse type; object reconstruction; identification and dating of objects; studies of forms and typologies; object analyses: origin, manufacture, use and materiality.

·      Training in recording and cataloguing methods. Subjects covered include primary recording of material groups and individual objects, drawing of objects, material- and type-specific methods of cataloguing objects for study and publication.

·      Introduction to excavation methodologies. The study of the archaeological materials is contextualized by considerations of methods of excavation and stratigraphic recording for a nuanced approach to material culture studies, and for an appreciation of its impact for archaeological interpretation.

·      Consideration of museological approaches to archaeological displays. The course may be complemented by visits to other archaeological sites and museums in the area for a contextual appreciation of the artifacts studied and for examinations of museological displays.

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the study of archaeological artifacts, a firm introduction to the interdisciplinary aspect of the field, and a good appreciation of material culture research methods.

·      Students will gain familiarity with the terminology and methodologies of material culture studies; with finds recording and illustration; and with excavation recording methods.

·      They will develop a critical appreciation of the approach and scope of artifact interpretation, and of the analysis of objects and materials.

·      They will attain understanding of the inherent interdisciplinary character of material culture studies through introduction to aspects of archaeology, history and environmental studies.

·      They will acquire an awareness of museological approaches to the display of archaeological objects and archaeological sites.

All scheduled classes and work days are mandatory.

You must always be punctual; late arrival will be noted and may affect your final grade.

Please dress appropriately to weather and work conditions, as well as to the health and safety regulations provided.

Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.

No video or audio recording of the class is permitted.

Thematic approach
Each week of the course is characterized by a thematic emphasis that will provide a firm understanding of the composite disciplines that the study of archaeological finds draw on.

Content
The specific content of each week will necessarily be dictated by the nature of the finds and the archaeological needs of the excavations. Hence, the project directors and site supervisors will instruct you in the particular work needed.

Lectures
Lectures by specialists may be conducted as presentations and as practical learning experience. Lectures will be held during the normal working day. The format of lectures will be tailored to fit the nature and characteristics of the season’s results. Hence, timing will be communicated in due course.


Week 1 Introduction to finds handling and materials (ceramics, glass, bone, metals). Introduction to numismatic studies
Introduction to the site and its excavation history.
    Considerations of location and of surrounding landscape and environmental features.
    Introduction to the finds laboratory and the range of material the excavation may expect to generate.

Training in basic finds handling and off-site processes.
    Instruction in how to identify and distinguish diverse materials.
    Object handling (washing, sorting, labelling, storing). Preliminary finds recording (written record, sketch, photograph).

Introduction to numismatic studies: identification and dating of coins; recording of numismatic material.
    Consideration of implications of finds and finds distribution. Consideration of ancient economies

Visit to the Archaeological Museum at Grosseto.
    Examination of finds from the excavations of the Alberese Archaeological Project as well as from the Etrusco-Roman city of Rusellae.
    Consideration of the museological and display approaches at a modern, regional museum.


Week 2  Small finds and material culture studies (glass, metals, worked bone)
Development of skills of material culture study.
    Advancement of understanding of object identification and handling.
    Training in finds recording: written small finds sheet, object drawing and photograph.
    Introduction to the role of finds recorded as ‘Small Finds.’
    Training in identification through observation and comparanda. Consideration of assemblages and finds distribution.

Possible Saturday visit:  archaeological sites of Rusellae and Vetulonia
    Exploration of the Etrusco-Roman city sites and their urban topographies.
    Investigation of landscape details and environmental changes over time, introduction to historical context and site development histories.
    Considerations of the presentations of archaeological parks, and of the museological and display approaches at a local, site-specific museum.


Week 3  Roman pottery and ceramic analysis I
Introduction to the identification and study of ceramics.
    Advancement of understanding of object identification and handling.
    Advanced skills in finds processing, recording, and analysis.
    Introduction to the identification and recording of ceramics: fine wares, coarse wares, amphorae.
    Introduction to dating, and the analysis of forms and types.

Possible Saturday visit: archaeological site at Cosa
    Investigation of the Roman colonial city of Cosa and its public monuments.
    Examination of historical context and commercial trade networks.
    Consideration of the presentation of the archaeological park and the museological approach in a site-specific ‘antiquarium’ museum.


Week 4   Roman pottery and ceramic analysis II
Development of skills in identification and study of ceramics.
    Advancement in skill of dating, analysis of forms, and establishing typologies. Considerations of fabrics.
    Considerations of assemblages and finds distribution.

Possible Saturday visit: the medieval cities of Pitigliano and Sorano.
    Investigation of late antique and medieval settlement patterns.
    Considerations of changes in communication networks compared to the Roman sites visited.


Week 5  Zooarchaeology and animal bone analyses
Introduction to the identification and study of animal bone.
    Advanced skills in finds processing, recording, and analysis.
    Considerations of local economies, livelihoods and life styles.
     Introduction to statistical investigations of archaeological remains.

Discussion of the interpretation of the finds and of the overarching archaeological results provided by the study of materials and assemblages.