Alessandro Sebastiani

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of excavating numerous archaeological sites, both within Italy and internationally. A significant number of these sites were medieval castles, situated on the rugged hills of Tuscany. This experience influenced my decision to specialize in medieval archaeology rather than classical archaeology. I have been fortunate to collaborate with esteemed mentors who have shared their profound passion and curiosity for a period often erroneously regarded as the “Dark Ages” in historiography.

Upon initiating the Impero Project, I undertook the excavation of the Hellenistic vicus at Podere Cannicci and expanded the project to include the site at Castellaraccio di Monteverdi. This location holds substantial historical significance for the nearby town of Paganico and its environs. The dismantling of its walls to create the borough reflects the impact of Sienese expansion into the Maremma region, while its medieval vicissitudes illustrate the rise and fall of the Ardengheschi family. The ongoing excavation is uncovering far more than anticipated, significantly enriching our understanding of a landscape deeply embedded in local traditions and agricultural practices, shaped by the course of the Ombrone River and the slow passage of time.