Teaching Workshop: (advanced level) Excavations and Research On Late Antique and Medieval Archeology in Northern Italy
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to strengthen the skills acquired by students in previous archaeological excavations.
Expected learning outcomes
The workshops will allow the students to acquire the skills and toolkit necessary to work independently in an archaeological excavation. Particular attention will be paid to the teaching of excavation techniques, graphic and photographic documentation and management of archaeological finds.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
● Introduction: the Basso Verbano in the late antique and mediaeval period; history of the excavations at the Oratorio di S. Vincenzo and site-specific issues.
● Site preparation: organization of the archaeological site and instructions about excavation activities.
● Archaeological excavation: the concepts of stratigraphy and stratigraphic unit; the use of archaeological excavation tools (pickaxe, shovel, trowel, etc.).
● Excavation Documentation: instructions for completing the context sheets and constructing the matrix; instructions for acquiring digital image on the site (digital photography) and for processing of the images with software (Adobe Photoshop, etc.);
● Instructions for acquiring graphic documentation on the site (total station), practice of the archaeological plan and for processing of the plans with software (CAD software).
● Archaeological finds: description and identification of classes of materials found in the excavation (pottery, glass, metals, frescoes, etc.; washing/cleaning, classification and storage of the archaeological finds.
● Site preparation: organization of the archaeological site and instructions about excavation activities.
● Archaeological excavation: the concepts of stratigraphy and stratigraphic unit; the use of archaeological excavation tools (pickaxe, shovel, trowel, etc.).
● Excavation Documentation: instructions for completing the context sheets and constructing the matrix; instructions for acquiring digital image on the site (digital photography) and for processing of the images with software (Adobe Photoshop, etc.);
● Instructions for acquiring graphic documentation on the site (total station), practice of the archaeological plan and for processing of the plans with software (CAD software).
● Archaeological finds: description and identification of classes of materials found in the excavation (pottery, glass, metals, frescoes, etc.; washing/cleaning, classification and storage of the archaeological finds.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites.
Teaching methods
The excavation at Sesto Calende includes both lectures and lessons in the field.
Teaching Resources
Methodology and classes of archaeological materials
● A. CARANDINI, Storie della terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico, Roma 2010.
● A. CARANDINI, Storie della terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico, Roma 2010.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning is verified on the excavation site by practicing the stratigraphic excavation and by completing the excavation documentation.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday, 2.00-5.00 PM
Sezione di Archeologia - via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile della Legnaia