An archaeological site in Central Italy dating back more than 2,500 years is a special place for two Illinois State University researchers. For the past three years, Associate Professor of History Kathryn Jasper and Professor of Art History Lea Cline have been leading the Northwest Bolsena Archaeological Project at Valle Gianni. 

The excavation is the culmination of an interdisciplinary collaboration initiated more than a decade ago that enriches the duo’s respective fields, empowers students, and elevates Illinois State University’s research profile. This is the first Illinois State-led excavation in Italy and the only one currently led by an institution of higher education in Illinois.