The Department of Classics at Florida State University first began archaeological excavation and research at Cetamura del Chianti, on the property of the Badia a Coltibuono (Gaiole), in 1973. Alternating periods of excavation and laboratory research have made clear that the site has multiple phases of Etruscan settlement: Archaic (6th century BCE), Middle (late 4th century BCE) and Late (3rd-1st centuries BCE). Excavation has also revealed the presence of baths in the Early Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the site was referred to as Civitamura, "Walled City," perhaps in reference to walls of the sanctuary area that were still visible. There is also documentation of a medieval castrum, or fortified village, at the site in the 12th century. For fuller detail, see the Cetamura website at FastiOnline: http://www.fastionline.org/micro_view.php?item_key=fst_cd&fst_cd=AIAC_1040.

The work continues under the direction of Nancy T. de Grummond, M. Lynette Thompson Distinguished Research Professor of Classics. The present mission of the project is the expanded study and publication of the results obtained thus far, in particular in regard to an Etruscan artisans' quarter and sanctuary of the 2nd century BCEarose i (Zone II of the site; see Recent Results), and continued excavation in a well in the center of Zone I, yielding evidence of the Roman and Etruscan habitation of the site. Research opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students.

An annual field school takes place in May-June of each year. For further details see http://international.fsu.edu/Types/College/Italy/Cetamura/Archaeology.aspx