Archaeology Program in the City of Arezzo, Italy
Sponsored by the University of Rochester Center for Judaic Studies and the Comune d'Arezzo
Program dates: July 2-July 29, 2006.
This summer, we have created an unprecedented program of international archaeology that will demonstrate Arezzo's importance in the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean.
Arezzo is well known in the world of Roman archaeology as one of the most important centers of pottery production in the first centuries BC and CE. The Red Glazed Ware, which is prominently displayed in Arezzo's archaeological museum, was used throughout the Mediterranean and has a close connection with the Yodefat, the early Roman site we excavated in Israel. Nevertheless, modern knowledge about the nature of the production of Red Glazed Ware in Italy is still primitive.
Work will be carried out by American, Israeli, and Italian archaeologists, along with American and Italian students. In November, 2001, Dean William Scott Green (University of Rochester) and Luigi Lucherini (Mayor of Arezzo) signed an agreement of collaboration to carry out a new archaeological dig in the outskirts of Arezzo thought to be where a Roman pottery production center was located.
The City of Arezzo 
Founded 2,600 years ago by the Etruscans, Arezzo is one of the most interesting cities in central Italy. Rich in history, monuments, and intellectual and artistic tradition, Arezzo is renowned as the birthplace of such great figures of the Renaissance as Petrarch, Vasari, and Guido d'Arezzo. One of Arezzo's many artistic treasures is the extraordinary fresco cycle of the "Legend of the Cross" by Piero della Francesca.
In addition to its historical and artistic significance, Arezzo has succeeded in preserving its identity without becoming a typical Tuscan tourist city. Most of the significant sites in Arezzo are within walking distance of the beautifully preserved "centro storico" or historic town center. The city is forty-five minutes from Florence, and its location allows for easy day trips to many other important cultural and artistic sites and towns. Arezzo is famous for its medieval traditions of pageantry, its international musical competitions, and its monthly Antique Fair. It is also a very important industrial center, internationally renowned for artistic and industrial gold work. The city is the home of the Facoltà di Lettere e Filosofia of the University of Siena, with which the University of Rochester has a formal agreement of mutual collaboration.
The program will include classes on the history of Arezzo and the Tuscany region.
Course-related Study Visits
Several course-related study visits to cities and towns of central Italy supplement the coursework. Florence, Cortona and Siena are among the destinations. The program will also include a two-day stay in Rome, where we will tour the Coliseum, the Circo Maximo, the Forum, the Pantheon, and other important archaeological and historic sites.
Courses
JST 292/Rel 299 - 4 credits
Field Methods in Archaeology - Teaches the student the skills used in field archeology. These include an introduction to surveying; the actual digging, balk trimming, distinguishing the archaeological locus; documentation of loci and individual artifacts, and an introduction to architecture and architectural reconstruction. Instruction is accomplished by hands-on experience in the field, and through afternoon workshops in small groups on individual topics, with evening workshop presentations and discussions. Interpretation of the finds, in their broad historical and cultural contexts, is discussed both in the field and in the afternoon evening workshops and lectures. A log on field methods and a workshop paper are required.
JST 304/REL 304 - 4 credits
Advanced Studies in Archaeology - advanced training in selected abstracts of archaeology.
Accommodations
The group is housed at a beautiful and historic residence, the Convitto Santa Caterina in Arezzo. All meals are provided.
Faculty
The excavations are directed by Mordechai Aviam, Adjunct Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Rochester. William Scott Green, Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Judaic Studies and Dean of the College at the University of Rochester, directs the educational program. Principal sponsors are the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Rochester, and the Comune d'Arezzo. Additional faculty from the University of Siena will participate.
Participation Costs
The estimated cost of the Summer 2006 program is $4500.
The fee covers the tuition for two 4 credit courses ($500 each), room and board, local field trips associated with coursework, and all ground transportation while in Italy. It does not include international airfare, additional elective travel, or personal expenses (telephone calls, internet usage, toiletries, etc).
Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Rome. Those who would like advice in setting up travel plans may visit the Center for Study Abroad in Lattimore 206 (585) 275-7532 or abroad@mail.rochester.edu
A deposit of $500 is required by April 1, 2006.
General Program Requirements
Class and course-related trip attendance is mandatory. All students are expected to observe the guidelines laid out in the Code of Conduct for University of Rochester Study Abroad Students, available from the Center for Study Abroad.
The application deadline is March 10, 2006.
To download an application in Word format
To print an application in PDF format
The information which appears above is current as of July, 2006. The University of Rochester Center for Judaic Studies and the Comune d'Arezzo reserve the right to make necessary changes or cancellations to the program.
Other Archaeology Programs - Archaeology Program in Israel