In 2003, the Department of Classics at Florida State University will continue excavation of the site of Cetamura in the Chianti district of Italy, near the town of Gaiole and on the property of the Badia a Coltibuono. Recent research has indicated multiple phases of Etruscan settlement (Archaic, Classical, and at least two phases in the Hellenistic period), as well as the presence of Roman baths of the early Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the site was referred to as Civitamura, or "Walled City, " perhaps in reference to ancient walls still standing. There is also documentation of a medieval castrum, or fortified village at the site in the twelfth century. Excavations in 2003 will seek to clarify this sequence in the stratigraphy on the citadel, especially in the area of the fortifications, and work will continue in a well hypothesized to be Etruscan, now excavated to a depth of more than 65 feet below ground level.

The program at Cetamura includes a field school, with instruction at the appropriate level on the site and in the laboratory for beginning and advanced students, with undergraduate and graduate course credit available up to 12 hours. The excavation fee is $2000 and includes full room and board at the excavation as well as transportation, and hotel accomodations on school field trips. Fees for course credit and travel between the U.S. and Italy are additional. The anticipated dates for the program are July 1 to August 10, 2003. The director of the program is Nancy T. de Grummond (Florida State University), and the associate directors are Patrick Rowe (Pensacola Junior College) and Daniel McClarnon (FSU).

For further information on these excavations, click here.