The Roman Settlement of
Poggio del Molino

The excavation of the Roman settlement of Poggio del Molino, the only example of a Roman villa in the territory of Populonia systematically investigated, is conducted under the scientific direction of the University of Florence (in agreement with Municipality of Piombino) and the professionals of the Archeodig Project, with the support of the non-profit organisations Past in Progress and the Earthwatch Institute.

The archaeological site extends over the northern and eastern slopes of a promontory that acts as a watershed between the beach of Rimigliano in the north, the Gulf of Baratti to the south and the northern boundary of the town of Piombino (Livorno).
The Roman structures are located on a plateau, about 20 meters above sea level, that dominates the stretch of sea between San Vicenzo and the Isle of Elba in the west, and the Metalliferous Hills and the plains of Campiglia lagoon to the east.

During the 2nd century BCE; the northern end of the promontory was occupied by a fortified building, positioned to defend the territory of Populonia from pirate attacks. Thanks to contemporary sources we know that between the 2nd and 1st century's BCE, piracy was prolific on the Mediterranean coasts and sea. The fortress’ strategic position allowed control of most of the Tyrrhenian Sea routes, the access to the channel that connects the sea to the lake of Rimigliano and the southern territory of Populonia.
The building, with a rectangular plan of about 55 x 56 meters, has been investigated in the southeast sector which is organised around a porch; where evidence of iron working has been uncovered. Along the perimeter wall, we have identified two defensive towers; erected adjacent the two entrances of the settlement, and a watchtower that also allowed communication with Populonia. In 67 BCE, following the issuance of the Lex Gabinia, Gneo Pompeo took command of the war against the pirates of the Mediterranean Sea over which, in just four months, he reported a total victory.

In the first half of the 1st century BCE, without the threat of pirates, the building was re-purposed as a farm with an adjoining 'cetaria', or small home-based factory, producing 'garum' (fish sauce), equipped with pools for soaking the fish, which we can still see today.
Around the middle of the 2nd century CE, after a thorough renovation, the building took on the characteristics of a maritime villa which was later destroyed around the end of the 3rd century CE, probably by an earthquake. The villa was organised around an open area, set out as a garden and exploited the same two accesses used in the earlier phases. The western entrance gave access to the main living area (cubicula and dining rooms), decorated with mosaics and frescoes and to the bath complex via a corridor overlooking the sea. The slave quarters, of which are known the kitchen and other utility rooms, still under excavation, was accessed via the eastern entrance.

In the 4th century, after the destruction, the eastern sector of the complex is reoccupied and used for activities connected with iron working. In addition to a large amount of iron slag and hematite, a furnace connected with a forge have been documented.

Even in the 5th century, the site experienced a significant phase of inhabitation connected with the presence of a gathering place, probably linked to early Christian worship, and of a tomb set in a wall of the villa ruins.

Today, the top of the hill is occupied by the beautiful Villa del Barone, built in 1923 by Baron Luigi De Stefano and Assunta Vanni Desideri, the daughter of Eugenio. From a paper of the 16th century, the "Bandita di Porto Baratti", and other archival documents we know that the Poggio owes its name to the mill which was a part of Torre Nuova ("Torre Nuova del Molino"), the building of coastal defense and a lookout built in the early sixteenth century by Cosimo I de' Medici, on the slopes of the promontory.

Gallery
Excavation
Poggio del Molino
Populonia - Tuscany, Italy 1 & 2 week options Team 1a/b May Team 2a/b May Team 3a/b May Team 5a/b Aug Team 6a/b Sep Team 7a/b Sep Teen Team
Unavailable
Academic Sessions

The Tyrrhenian Sea

GeoSampling the site

Teams will work between the remaining walls of the Roman villa of Poggio del Molino (Hill of the Mill), overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The villa was established at the start of the 1st century A.D. when the main city of Populonia was mysteriously abandoned. The villa area has been exposed to continued habitation right up until the end of the 5th century and so is one of the few existing sources of information from this extended time period.

Activities include:

Teams 1,2,3 

Ages:

open

Food:

Italian, Tuscan

Work rhythm:

Moderate

Water temp:

20C/68F

Air temp:

21C/70F

Duration:

7/13 Days

Price:

check local

The Teen Team

Teen Team

Live the life of a professional archaeologist as you unearth artifacts, then clean and study them. You might also try rebuilding original objects from the fragments you’ve discovered. You’ll have an unparalleled chance to get close to Italy’s ancient past.

Activities include:

Team 4 (teen team)

Ages:

15-18 years

Food:

Awesome

Work rhythm:

moderate

Water temp:

20C / 68F

Air temp:

21C / 70F

Duration:

8 Days

Price:

check local