Summer School in Integrative Ancient History

Villa Falconieri, Frascati (Italy) | August 2027

The Summer School in Integrative Ancient History brings together students from Ancient Studies, History, Environmental Sciences, and Life Sciences at the University of Basel for an intensive week of interdisciplinary training in one of Italy's most historic academic settings.

Hosted at the Villa Falconieri in Frascati, the programme introduces participants to a new approach to the study of the ancient world that integrates textual, archaeological, biological, and environmental evidence into historical research. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and case studies, students will explore how methods ranging from archaeogenetics, palaeoclimatology, isotope analysis, archaeobotany, and bioarchaeology to digital spatial analysis can contribute to answering historical questions.

The Summer School places particular emphasis on collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. Participants will work in mixed teams, learning not only the principles and limitations of different scientific methods but also how to integrate diverse forms of evidence into coherent historical interpretation.

Excursions to archaeological sites and research institutions in the Rome region will complement the academic programme and provide opportunities to engage directly with the material evidence of the ancient world.

The Summer School is open to Master's students and advanced Bachelor's students from the University of Basel in Ancient Studies, History, Environmental Sciences, and Life Sciences. It forms part of the Integrative Ancient History Initiative and aims to train a new generation of historians and scientists capable of integrating all forms of evidence into the reconstruction of the ancient past.