Highland Greek Outpost in Southern Italy

Amidst the densely forested and largely unexplored hills of south central Italy lies the important but unassuming site of Monte Palazzi, a Greek outpost dating from the late sixth to the late third centuries B.C. At nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, Monte Palazzi was strategically located above a major mountain pass that linked Greek settlements on the coasts of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. While the site’s strategic position and heavily built perimeter wall may indicate that Monte Palazzi was intended to be a military outpost, recent finds—such as votive ceramics, figurines and painted plaster—may suggest that the site had a religious or cultic function. Excavations at the site have also revealed incredible examples of archaic Greek finewares and large storage amphorae.

This summer, you can help dig director Paolo Visonà learn much more about the true nature of this enigmatic settlement beautifully situated in the mountains of southern Italy. This season, Visona` will be focusing on excavating the crucial interior portions of the walled settlement, excavations that should reveal a great deal about how the site was organized and whether it had a military or cultic function.

Non-student participants will stay at the Villa Santa Maria resort near the town of Gioiosa Jonica, while student volunteers will be housed with the dig staff in a brand new mountain lodge right near the site.