The Necropolis of Via Ostiense was initially excavated in 1919. Archaeologists exposed 18 complete vaults (columbaria) with over 912 well preserved urns, containing cremated remains of Roman era individuals. The excavators decided not to excavate but leave the urns untouched and in situ, resulting in slow but progressive deterioration of the human remains and artifacts within them. Beginning in 2017, our team began an extensive and detailed study of these unique archaeological remains, micro-excavating each urn to better understand Roman burial practices, technology and cultural preferences.

All field school directors are experts in their field and passionate about their work. To discuss the suitability of this program for your career goals – whether within or outside academia – you are invited to contact the directors directly. For a broader discussion which ARC program to choose, you are welcome to contact our staff directly – you can do that through our “Contact Us” page.

Professor of Ancient History, Department of Prehistory, Archaeology & Ancient History, University of Valencia (Spain)

• Application: You must apply online for this program – application is free
• Deposit: A $300 nonrefundable deposit (part of the total tuition cost) is required to secure a space in the program
• Credit Card Fee: Payments with credits cards incur 3% processing fee
• Late Fee: A $100 Late Fee will be added to the program costs if tuition is not paid in full by payment deadline
• Cancellation Policy: Carefully read our Cancellation Policy before committing to attending our programs
• Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is not provided by ARC. Such policies have changed due to Covid 19. If you wish to purchase an insurance policy that covers pandemic contingencies, explore Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) plans. Insuremytrip or Travel Guard are possible websites where you may explore different insurance policies.

All staff and students will be staying at the Aquarius Rome Apartments (5 Via Francesco Tumiati, 00128 Mostacciano). The apartments are comfortable and welcoming with free WiFi in all areas. All units have air conditioning, well-equipped kitchen and washing machine. Apartments are single sex and shared between 3-4 people.

Breakfast and onsite lunch are provided during work days. Students are responsible for their own dinners. Rome is a colossal capital city with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and fast/street food, both Italian and international. Students can find great dinners at a wide range of prices.

We suggest you hold purchasing your airline ticket until six (6) weeks before the program begins. Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions & a range of other factors may require the cancellation of a field school. ARC typically makes a final Go/No Go decision six weeks before program begins. To protect students from potential financial loss, we urge you to purchase airline tickets only six weeks prior to program beginning.

There are two meeting points for this program: (1) Students arriving to Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) will be met on Sunday at 5:00pm. Meeting point is at arrival hall of Terminal 3, by the information booth. (2) Students arriving to Ciampino International Airport (CIA) will be met on Sunday at 6:00pm. Meeting point is just outside arrival hall.

There are no special visa requirements for U.S. citizens travelling to Italy , as long as you do not stay longer than 3 months. Passport’s expiration date should exceed the stay by at least 6 months.

Citizens of other countries are asked to check the Italian embassy website at their home country for specific visa requirements.