Unearthing Ancient History in Tuscany

The goal of this expedition is simple: to help experts reconstruct the complex past of Populonia as fully as possible.

For hundreds of years, Populonia dominated the ironworks industry in the Mediterranean. The city's transfer from Etruscan to Roman rule around 250 B.C. did not halt its metalworking activities; iron exports supported the Roman expansion in Africa, so the ruling class had important economic interests in the area’s industrial production and commerce.

To reconstruct the economic and social history of the city of Populonia, researchers must answer many complicated questions: When and where did iron smelting occur? How did metalworking and trade shape the society of the city? Who were the ancient people who lived and worked in the harbor, the mines, and the iron smelting industry?

By joining this expedition, you’ll help fill in gaps in knowledge about the Populonia area. Your team will excavate the Roman settlement of Poggio del Molino.

Live the life of a professional archaeologist as you unearth artifacts, then clean and study them. You might also try rebuilding original objects from the fragments you’ve discovered. You’ll have an unparalleled chance to get close to Italy’s ancient past.