The Roman Society is offering students an opportunity to participate in the British School at Rome and University of London excavations at Falerii Novi.

The Project: In 2021, the British School at Rome and Institute of Classical Studies, with Harvard University and the University of Toronto, commenced excavations inside the city walls of Falerii Novi following authorisation by the Italian Ministero della Cultura, under the supervision of the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paessaggio per la provincia di Viterbo e per l’Etruria meridionale. The site sits just 50km north of Rome, along the ancient Via Amerina. The Falerii Novi Project aims to analyse the diachronic urban, economic and socio-historical development of the city from mid-Republican foundation to a suspected abandonment in the early Middle Ages. We have now undertaken large-scale excavation in several areas: the macellum, a domus south of the forum, a streetside intersection near the south gate, and tabernae in the town's forum.

The Opportunity: In summer 2025, the project will continue exploring some of these areas alongside targeted new investigations using open area excavation with a team of 40 people from a range of nationalities and universities along with visiting specialists. Participants may gain supervised experience in scientific stratigraphic excavation and recording and/or the potential to participate in selected specialist work (e.g., object analysis, digital recording, environmental sampling and flotation). We especially invite applications this year from those with interests and an enthusiasm to develop skills in ceramic processing or environmental archaeology.

Season dates: The successful applicant will be able to join the project for two weeks, either from 2-13 June 2025 or 16 June–27 June 2025.

Bursary: The Roman Society is offering one bursary of £1000. This will cover the costs of participation in the excavation (accommodation, meals and local travel) for two weeks and return flights to Rome & the train journey from Rome Fiumicino airport to Civita Castellana station. The successful candidate may liaise with the project Directors as to the exact timing of the two-week placement within the season.

Eligibility: All students registered at a UK university are eligible to apply (including Undergraduate, Masters and PhD/DPhil).

How to Apply: Candidates should apply by letter setting out their reasons for wishing to undertake this placement, how participation would contribute to their study and interests, and outlining any previous experience.  You should also provide the name and email address of a referee.  Letters of application should be addressed to the Secretary, Dr Fiona Haarer, and sent by email by 15 February, 2025 to: office@romansociety.org

Report: After the placement, the successful candidate will be expected to provide a report which will be published on the Roman Society website.

You can read previous reports here:

Adam Bracchi (2023 placement holder): report.
Gabrielle Hill-Smith (2024 placement holder): report.