2023 Field School Season: June 25 – July 22

In 2023 the OU Department of Classics and Letters will undertake archaeological research in Umbria, Italy, focusing on sites near the towns of Ficulle and Orvieto. Excavations will focus on a previously unexplored Roman site near Ficulle with the goal of determining the chronology, extent of occupation, and economic networks present in the ancient Tiber river valley.

OU Students wishing to attend the 2023 Field School should complete an application. Upon acceptance to the project, students should enroll in CL C 3990 Classical Archaeology Fieldwork in the Summer 2023 semester.

Students enrolled in this course will participate in a field school at a site (Pian de Mealla) near the town of Ficulle in Umbria, Italy. The site was initially recognized by nearby inscriptions and scattered remains; in 2021, geophysical work revealed a number of anomalies, suggesting the presence of structural remains, the nature and date of which remains to be determined. 

The course is being taught by Professor Joey Williams (Department of Classics and Letters).  Staff will also include Professor Sue Alcock (Classics and Letters) and members of the Oklahoma Archaeological Survey (Brandi Bethke, Scott Hammerstedt, and Amanda Regnier).

Student Dates

Arrive Saturday, June 24,

Start formally on Sunday, June 25 with welcome dinner at restaurant Bartox (7:30 pm)

First day of fieldwork, Monday, June 26

Last day of fieldwork, Friday, July 21

Students leave, Saturday, July 22

Students are strongly encouraged to pursue funding opportunities for travel and other costs.  There are also a number of scholarships available for study abroad students, including but not limited to the following:

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Sue Alcock and Dr. Joey Williams in the Department of Classics and Letters.