The Upper Italic Adriatic in the 4th century BC: three-day archaeology

The Upper Italic Adriatic in the 4th century BC: conference at the University of Ferrara

When: 14–16 April 2026
Where: Rectorate Auditorium, Santa Lucia Complex, via Ludovico Ariosto 35, Ferrara, Italy

Between 14 and 16 April the University of Ferrara hosts a scientific conference devoted to the Upper Adriatic region in the 4th century BC. The meeting brings together leading Italian and European specialists in archaeology, geoarchaeology, environmental sciences and bioarchaeology to exchange methods and findings, with a central focus on the Etruscan site of Spina.

The programme, organised into thematic sessions, emphasizes:

• historical and archaeological reconstruction of pre-Roman contexts;
• geoarchaeological and sediment studies to trace coastal landscape evolution;
• palaeobotanical and palaeofaunal research informing on past environments and resource use;
• remote sensing and risk modelling tools applied to site protection and management.

Recent excavations by the universities of Ferrara and Bologna highlight Spina as a key research laboratory to interpret wider phenomena such as coastal dynamics, climate variability and ancient Mediterranean trade networks. Contributions demonstrate how integrated scientific approaches support both historical interpretation and practical strategies for conservation and territorial planning.

Organised by the University of Ferrara in collaboration with the Regional Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape (provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Ferrara), the conference fosters dialogue between academic research and heritage governance.

Practical note: the event includes presentations and round-table discussions; participants should refer to the university’s official channels for full timetable and registration details.