Archaeological Field School: Exploring Mountain Society in Ancient Samnium
In this archaeological field school, you explore the archaeology of mountain society with an international team while doing pedestrian survey and geophysical prospection in the hills and mountains of the Central Apennines.
Target group and admission
This fieldwork is aimed at Bachelor, Master, Research Master and PhD students in Archaeology, Ancient History, Classics, Geoarchaeology and related fields enrolled at one of the KNIR partner universities in the Netherlands (RU, RUG, UL, UU, UvA, VU). Students from other academic backgrounds are also encouraged to apply, provided they explain in their application how their background would be relevant to this fieldwork. Students from Italian or other international universities are emphatically welcome to apply too, with the only difference that no travel costs can be reimbursed. Because of the international character of the project, the project working language is English. Each student should arrange with their home coordinator whether the practicum can be a part of the existing curriculum, for instance as an internship. The KNIR can provide a certificate of participation.
Practicum period
27 September – 18 October 2026
Credits
max. 5 ECTS
Teaching staff
Prof. dr. Tesse Stek
Berend Beekhuis, MA
Dr. Flavia Palazzini
Iris Verbiesen, MA
Marcello de Vos, MA
Activities and time period
The fieldwork project is organized by the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (KNIR) and takes place in the Apennine mountains. Although the focus of the project is on research, not on teaching, the high staff-student ratio provides ample room for learning in practice. It consists of intensive field and lab work: mainly pedestrian field survey, as well as the study of the finds and GIS documentation in the lab, and geophysical prospection. We give priority to students who can participate for the full period. Students who cannot stay longer may also apply for a two-week period. Field and laboratory work takes place Monday through Saturday lunchtime.
Expenses and accommodation in Molise
The participants will stay at our study centre in Jelsi, Molise (CeDISA). Tuition and lodging are free for all participants who successfully complete the course. After successful completion of the campaign, international travel expenses will be reimbursed up to €100,- for students enrolled at the KNIR partner universities (€125,- when travelling by train). Local travel and meals during working days are included. Participants sleep in shared rooms (up to 3 people) at our (somewhat spartan) accommodation at the CeDISA; please bring a sleeping bag, clothes for both hot and cold weather, a hat and sturdy backpack and mountain boots.
Application and admission
Students can apply via the button ‘Register for a course’ on the course overview page. include in your application:
• a brief letter of motivation (if applicable, pointing out previous fieldwork experience, max. 1 A4)
• a CV
• a recent official list of grades
Deadline
31 August 2026
More info
E-mail: b.beekhuis@knir.it, secretary@knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
