Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany

I participated in the Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany expedition in September 2017. With no prior archaeological background, I found it to be a wonderful experience, with just one exception and that was my own physical limitations, not the result of the project or any of its great staff. My team was small, just three volunteers the first week and two the second. We were met at the Pisa airport and driven about an hour south to the small coastal community of Populonia, not really a town where we were, just a Castle on a hilltop overlooking Baratti Bay with its fine beaches and a few restaurants. We stayed in the castle itself in very comfortable apartments. Ariana and Martina were the two archaeologists we worked with everyday and they came over every evening to prepare dinner and we all ate together. We fixed our own breakfasts and packed lunches each day to take to the work sites, there was always plenty of food available for us in the kitchen so that was never a problem, plus we did go out for dinner a few times. We worked on two sites, excavating an ancient Etruscan Necropolis, where we helped unearth the remains of several individuals and we also worked at the site of Roman Villa, helping in the preservation of the floor mosaics. Both of these projects were great and I learned a great deal about Roman and Etruscan history and cultures. The physical limitations I spoke of earlier was that much of the work we did was down on hands and knees, both working on the burial site and mosaics. I had known in advance that would be the case but it was much harder on my knees than I expected. None the less, the staff we worked with were very helpful and understanding without disrupting their work and we were all able to accomplish our tasks. I would highly recommend this project to anyone interested in Ancient Etruscan or Roman history. The entire Populonia area is rich in history and archaeology sites going back at least to the 9th century B.C.E. I can not say enough good things about Carolina, Ariana or Martina or any of the other Archaeologists and other specialists we worked with. They were all highly professional, skilled in their craft, and absolutely dedicated to exposing and preserving the rich heritage of Italy and that region in particular. It was indeed an honor and a privilege to participate in the project and contribute even a little to the work being done.

Just after retiring, I found this opportunity to get out of my self-described, "armchair archaeologist" identity and go on a real dig. This dig site spanned many historical periods and I could not have chosen a more fascinating site. Earthwatch made the trip easy and rewarding. I highly recommend the professional archaeological team Carolina Megale, Stefano Genovesi and others. Also the site's location in Tuscany, right on the Mediterranean identified as the Etruscan's 'Tyrrhenian Sea' was spectacular. The accommodations and the food were memorable and one night's visit to the local winery topped of the week with the full romance of Italy.

My experience with Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany was phenomenal. I want to thank the staff, Carolina Megale, Laura Riccadonna, Martina Fusi, and Stefano Genovesi for sharing their knowledge. I learned so much about archaeology. When anyone asked a question it was answered in detail. They treated us as students. This want-to-be Archaeologist appreciated their efforts, their cooking, and their company at the evening meals. I was in awe of what we got to do. To actually hold artifacts from two thousand years ago was such an experience. I thought volunteers would only be gofers for the staff, but no, we actually did work after a training session. The excitement I felt when after brushing the last layer of dust I uncovered a Roman wall of the Roman Villa. I will do it again. A co-volunteer and I are planning to go next year.