Teaching Workshop: Excavations and Research in Late Antique Archaeology in Northern Italy - Basic
A.Y. 2026/2027
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
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
- Introduction to the context: the Lower Verbano area in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages; the excavations at the site of the Oratory of San Vincenzo and the main archaeological issues related to the site.
- Preparation for excavation: organisation of the archaeological fieldwork and operational guidelines for working on site.
- Archaeological excavation: principles of stratigraphy and definition of stratigraphic units; function and use of excavation tools (pickaxe, shovel, trowel, etc.).
- Excavation documentation: completion of stratigraphic unit sheets; production of photographic documentation.
- Graphic documentation: introduction to topographic instruments (total station) and practice of archaeological surveying.
- Archaeological finds: identification of the main classes of materials (ceramics, glass, metals, plasters, etc.); procedures for washing, classification, and conservation of finds.
- Preparation for excavation: organisation of the archaeological fieldwork and operational guidelines for working on site.
- Archaeological excavation: principles of stratigraphy and definition of stratigraphic units; function and use of excavation tools (pickaxe, shovel, trowel, etc.).
- Excavation documentation: completion of stratigraphic unit sheets; production of photographic documentation.
- Graphic documentation: introduction to topographic instruments (total station) and practice of archaeological surveying.
- Archaeological finds: identification of the main classes of materials (ceramics, glass, metals, plasters, etc.); procedures for washing, classification, and conservation of finds.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required.
Teaching methods
The archaeological fieldwork at Sesto Calende combines introductory lectures with practical activities carried out on-site. Lectures provide the methodological foundations of stratigraphic excavation and archaeological documentation; fieldwork activities allow students to directly apply these methods through participation in excavation, recording, and documentation of archaeological contexts.
Teaching Resources
A. CARANDINI, Storie della terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico, Roma 2010.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning outcomes are assessed through continuous evaluation of the activities carried out in the archaeological fieldwork, with particular attention to the student's ability to apply stratigraphic excavation methods independently. The exam is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday, 2.00-5.00 PM
Sezione di Archeologia - via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile della Legnaia