2026
| Brock University
| John McGurl and Michelle Gluck Fellowship                                                                                             
                          

 

Lydia Scheunemann

Project Description

The Poggio Civitate Archaeological Field School, located in central inland Tuscany, is one of the oldest archaeological training programs in the world, offering students and enthusiasts the opportunity to excavate under the guidance of professional archaeologists, conservators, illustrators, and photographers. Participants receive comprehensive training in excavation, data collection, archaeological survey, conservation, illustration, photography, and cataloging. Most arrive with no prior experience and leave with a solid foundation in Etruscan archaeology and field methods, along with a deep appreciation for Italian culture. Work takes place both onsite and in the laboratory (Magazzino), with students rotating through excavation units and lab tasks. Fieldwork is enriched by weekly lectures on topics such as Etruscan history and Bucchero pottery, and visits to local museums. Free time, including weekends, allows for exploration of Murlo, Tuscany, and beyond.

My experience at the Poggio Civitate Field School was unforgettable. Over the course of the five weeks I was given countless opportunities to learn and develop my archeological skills. Not only was I taught how to properly excavate a trench, but also how to do trench drawings and photography ,conserve artifacts, complete XRF scans, munsell, interpret archeological context, and even do some trench documentation. I will be forever grateful to the Etruscan Foundation and the John McGurl and Michelle Gluck Fellowship which made my participation in this excavation possible.

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