This project is investigating life and labour on a rural Roman estate in southern Italy. The goals of this project are to investigate life of a relatively under-represented segment of the ancient Roman population. Research at the site involves excavation and post-excavation analysis including: palaeopathology, stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA analysis, lead production and health impacts, and infant health and diet.
Impact
Knowledge development and transfer. Experiential education for both Canadian and foreign students. Community engagement with Italian participants.
Student Experience
Undergraduate and graduate students who participate in this field school are given the rare opportunity to excavate human skeletal remains from an archaeological site. In addition to learning archaeological skills, the students live and work in a small Italian city so they are immersed in the culture and language of the region for 6 weeks. In addition to excavating the site, students are also given the opportunity to visit a variety of archaeological, historic, and modern sites in this region of southern Italy so they can appreciate the broader social and historical context of the work they are doing. In addition to Canadian students, I also have local Italian high school students participate in the excavations, so that local students can learn about their own cultural heritage. This also provides an excellent opportunity for greater interaction between Canadian and Italian students. Graduate students are also provided the opportunity to use this site and the material recovered from the site for research and publications.
Countries
Italy
Impact
Research, Education
Institutional Partner(s)
Community Partner(s)
Industry Partner(s)
Key Outcomes
Publications
Sponsorship
Federal
Sponsorship Details
Funding is provided by SSHRC. The field school that is run each summer at the site is partially funded by the students who participate.
