sentinum

project co-directors

Matthew Notarian, Associate Professor of Classics, Hiram College
Amanda Chen, Assistant Professor, Kansas City Art Institute
Will Ramundt, PhD, University at Buffalo

Dates

July 1 – 30, 2026

the program

Participate in the excavation of the ancient Roman city of Sentinum, in Sassoferrato, Italy, as part of the Sentinum City Archaeological Research Project. Sentinum was a gridded Roman settlement located approxiately 30 miles west of the Adriatic Sea in central Italy. The project seeks to investigate broadscale changes in the city’s life, including its foundation, economy, social structures, and eventual abandonment. In 2026, we will continue to excavate trenches inside one of the city’s residential blocks, recently identified by geophysical survey, that have already revealed walls and pavements associated with the city’s latest phases.

No previous archaeological experience is required to participate, although it is expected that students will have an active interest in Roman history and archaeology. All participants will be trained in basic archaeological field methodology by experienced staff members from the United States and Italy. This includes stratigraphic excavation using picks, trowels, and shovels; artifact collection, identification, and processing; and scientific field recording including journals, photography, GIS, and 3D modeling using photogrammetry and UAV (drone flights). All participants rotate through the field and on-site lab to gain first-hand experience excavating, documenting, and conserving artifacts. Our staff of American and Italian archaeologists oversee the excavations and training of volunteers, offer lectures, and lead tours to nearby sites and museums. Volunteers should prepare to attend these supplemental events as part of their archaeological training.

To learn more, visit the project webpage at www.sentinumproject.org.

Housing

All project participants will be housed in apartments located in the recently renovated 17th century Palazzo degli Scalzi in the historic center of Sassoferrato, Italy.

Daily Schedule

We will work on site from approximately 8 AM until 4 PM daily, Monday through Friday. In the afternoon, pottery washing and other artifact processing tasks may take place. Weekends are free. Students may choose to stay in Sassoferrato, or travel independently to other locales in the region, such as Ancona, the regional capital, located on the Adriatic sea.

Breakfast and dinner will be provided Monday through Friday by local establishments in Sassoferrato. Lunch will be eaten on site. Sassoferrato also has several restaurants and supermarkets available for self catering.

Travel to and From Sassoferrato

All partipants are required to travel independently to Sassoferrato. Flights are available from the United States to nearby airports such as Rome and Florence. Train connections are available to the nearest station located in Fabriano, from which project staff members will pick up participants to transfer them to Sassoferrato. Detailed instructions will be given to participants beforehand. Project leaders can also assist students with planning.

Participants must arrive in Fabriano on July 1, 2026. Arrangements will be made to transfer all participants to the Fabriano train station for departure on July 30, 2026.

Trip Prerequisites/Requirements

Knowledge of Italian is not required, but learning some is recommended to enhance the experience.

Previous experience with archaeological excavation is not required. Partipants will be trained on site by experienced staff members.

Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, passport fees, airfare to Italy, weekend meals, and personal expenses.

Course Credit Option

Students may choose to earn academic credit, which can be transfered to their home institution if they are not a Hiram student, although this is not a requirement. Non-Hiram students will pay summer tuition currently estimated at $540 per credit hour and may choose 1 to 4 credit hours. These optional costs are in addition to the program fee.

Students participating in the credit option will be enrolled in CLAS 28000: Archaeological Field Methods.

Program Details

• Estimated Costs:  $2,700, plus optional tuition for credit.  Costs include housing, weekday meals, transportation to and from the archaeological site.  Airfare to Italy and travel to Sassoferrato are not included. Personal expenses, passport fees, meals on Saturday and Sunday, and independent travel are also not included.
• Application Priority Deadline: March 15, 2026; A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon the acceptance of your application to secure your spot on the project. Additional applications may be accepted after this date pending the availability of space.
• Payment Deadline: May 30, 2026; the final balance must be paid in full.

Application

To apply for the Sentinum City Archaeological Research Project, please fill out the application linked here. Please do NOT fill out the general study abroad application for other Hiram College programs.

General questions can be directed to the project directors: Matthew Notarian (notarianmf@hiram.edu), Amanda Chen (achen@kcai.edu), Will Ramundt (wramundt@buffalo.edu).