{"id":211601,"date":"2023-10-12T12:18:26","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T16:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/chss\/?p=211601"},"modified":"2025-07-30T08:32:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T12:32:24","slug":"holding-history-in-your-hands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/chss\/2023\/10\/12\/holding-history-in-your-hands\/","title":{"rendered":"Holding History in Your Hands"},"content":{"rendered":"

This summer, Dr. Deborah Chatr Aryamontri<\/a>, Dr. Timothy Renner<\/a>, and several students embarked on an archaeological excavation in the small town of Genzano di Roma. Since 2010, Montclair\u2019s Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies<\/a> has been hosting this excavation of the \u201cVilla of Antonines.\u201d This project focuses on an important archaeological site about 18 miles southeast from the center of Rome in the ancient territory of Lanuvium, an urban center for the people of Latium. Its proximity to Rome made Lanuvium a popular location for villas, including the villa of the ancestors of the Antonine imperial dynasty.<\/p>\n

Antonine artifacts were found in that area as early as 1701, when several marble busts of Antonine family members were unearthed. The busts are now in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. This led to the name \u201cVilla degli Antonini,\u201d or \u201cVilla of Antonines.\u201d Dr. Renner, a professor in Classics and Humanities and director of the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies, explains that \u201cthe name Villa of the Antonines is justified\u2026 We have an amphitheater that we discovered, and we know that one of the Antonine emperors, Commodus\u2026 the supposed emperor in Gladiator<\/em>, fought wild animals at an arena in Lanuvium, and this is the only arena in Lanuvium that we know of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"group
Members of the 2023 Villa of the Antonines archaeological team with Professor Chatr Aryamontri and Professor Renner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This amphitheater is mentioned in a few ancient texts, and to find something that lines up so well with written evidence is very exciting, as Dr. Chatr Aryamontri, an associate professor in Classics and Humanities and a research associate in the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies, notes. She also emphasizes, \u201cWhen we started the project, [the area] was not even a real site.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today the site is one of the least investigated Roman residences in the area. While it has been neglected and underappreciated for its historic significance, in 2010 the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies began investigating small sectors within the Villa. \u201cWe decided it would be a great idea to continue an investigation that never really started,\u201d Chatr Aryamontri says.<\/p>\n

The excavation work initially focused on unearthing the amphitheater, although a residential area and bathhouse have also been discovered. The imperial villa itself was massive, as it was meant to entertain hundreds of people. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where the emperor resided, but at the same time also entertained his entourage,\u201d emphasizes Chatr Aryamontri.<\/p>\n

There have also been various archaeological finds, including glass mosaics. \u201cWe found some nice mosaic flooring with Medusa designs\u2026 we found some fragments of wall paintings, wall fresco, that kind of thing,\u201d says Renner.\u00a0 In 2014, the program expanded to two areas on site, allowing for more excavation and examination of these fascinating relics.<\/p>\n

\"Students
Students drawing fresco fragments uncovered at the Villa of the Antonines site.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When conceptualizing the project, Chatr Aryamontri and Renner always intended it as an experience for students, and the program sees students from Montclair as well as other institutions apply for the trip. Often American universities will join with Italian universities, but this archaeological excavation is run entirely by Montclair.The trip, open to students in all majors, seeks to demystify the archaeological process for its students, and brings the glamorized field back to reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just \u2018let\u2019s go and dig holes,\u2019\u201d says Chatr Aryamontri.\u201cSince the very beginning, it was open to everybody, any kind of student. The idea was\u2026 to make this excavation a lifetime experience\u2026 We really believed in having this program for any kind of student.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chatr Aryamontri encourages all students, regardless of major, to apply. The program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that fosters teamwork, flexibility and provides a real look at an archaeological site. It also leaves a lasting impact on students. \u201cA student told us, \u2018I\u2019m holding history in my hand,\u2019\u201d says Chatr Aryamontri.<\/p>\n

\"photo
From left to right Amie Sexton (Montclair student), Restorer Roberto Civetta, and another Montclair State student<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Amie Sexton, a student who participated in the Villa of Antonines project, this trip was \u201ca lesson in self-realization.\u201d Sexton hopes to go into archaeology professionally, and found the project to be an excellent way to gain work and life experience. She also suggests that any students looking to go on the trip prepare for heat and dust, as students spend hours in the sun at the excavation trenches. Sexton emphasizes the novelty of the excursion, saying, \u201cIt\u2019s cliche to say that you can do anything you put your mind to, but having actually seen this program through, it feels like a whole world has opened up to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Students interested in learning more or participating in the Villa of the Antonines Field School<\/a> can visit the website or contact Dr. Renner<\/a> or Dr. Chatr Aryamontri<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Written by Faith Monesteri, Fulcomer Intern<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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