Classical Archaeology & Greek Colonization Incoronata, Italy – Institute for Field Research

Location: Basilicata, Italy

Season: May 17, 2020 to June 20, 2020

Application Deadline: April 3, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/italyincoronata/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Université Rennes 2, Museum of Anthropology at University of Michigan, Institute for Field Research, Connecticut College

Project Director:
Dr. Mario Denti, Dr. Guilia Saltini Semerari

Project Description:

From the 8th to the 6th century BC, migrants from the Aegean settled across the Mediterranean from the Black Sea to Spain. Known as the Greek colonization, this far-reaching phenomenon coincided with and helped catalyze a period of dramatic change towards more hierarchical, urbanized and interconnected communities along the Sea’s coasts. Interactions between locals and Greeks were undoubtedly an important part of this process, which took many forms depending on where and when it occurred. One of the key sites where these interactions can be studied in detail is Incoronata in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. The site is nestled atop a hill overlooking the valley of the river Basento, a few kilometers inland from the Ionian Gulf where many Greek colonies later flourished. Incoronata was an important indigenous site before a group of Greeks settled there in the 7th century. By studying the phases before and after the arrival of the Greeks, archaeologists can track the impact of the Greek’s arrival on the local culture and investigate how the practices, beliefs and identities of all people involved changed through this interaction. Because Incoronata was abandoned at the beginning of the 6th century BC and never re-occupied, the site is characterized by the exceptional preservation of a series of production and ritual contexts, showing a mix of both local and Greek material culture. Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of these contexts, and to engage in every stage of field research from excavation to documentation, find processing, recording and interpretation.

Period(s) of Occupation: Classical Period

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this field school.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Throughout the whole duration of the field school we will be staying at the agriturismo (farm-hotel) Fontanalapietra, located in the valley of the Basento river. Three or four students normally share a room with en-suite bathroom. The bedrooms are basic but comfortable. The agriturismo has a restaurant that provides us with excellent, locally-sourced food for dinner. The cook can prepare vegetarian or gluten-free diets, but please note that more specific (e.g. vegan or religion-based) dietary requirements can unfortunately not be accommodated. All formal lectures, training and lab work takes place on the premises of the agriturismo. For moments of relaxation the agriturismo also has a swimming pool.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,445.