FSU classics professor leads archaeological dig to explore ancient settlement in Italy

A new archaeological expedition led by a team of Florida State University researchers that began in Italy this summer has captured local excitement as the first discoveries from the excavation are revealed to the public.

The Montereggi Archaeological Project, co-directed by Professor of Classics Andrea De Giorgi, seeks to uncover the history of an ancient Etruscan hilltop settlement that predates settlement by the ancient Romans. The project has received a permit for three years, with the aim of extending the permit and eventually constructing an accompanying museum and research center.

“We hope our investigations help to imbue this ancient site with a sense of life, our goal is to glean the story of this historical setting, then restore the ancient site and present it back to the community.”

— Andrea De Giorgi, professor of Classics

“We hope our investigations help to imbue this ancient site with a sense of life,” De Giorgi said. “Our goal is to glean the story of this historical setting, then restore the ancient site and present it back to the community. We’re very grateful for the support of the property owners (George M. Rapier III and Villa Bibbiani), the township, the mayor and the local people who are all very excited about this project.”

A team of eight FSU classics graduate students began excavating the site in June using a mix of traditional methods, such as shovels and wheelbarrows, alongside advanced technologies such as ground-penetrating radar. The team has already unearthed several discoveries, including Etruscan coins, ceramics, pottery and remnants of a monumental building from the 5th century B.C.

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