Introduction and Learning Objectives

The A3TEX Summer School aims to provide participants with both theoretical and practical training in the methodologies for the study, analysis, and conservation of archaeological textile artefacts. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from archaeology, materials science, and advanced diagnostic techniques. Through collaboration with specialists from the A3TEX Centre, the Summer School offers an introduction to the most innovative digital tools and techniques for the documentation and communication of textile heritage.

Through lectures, laboratory sessions, and the direct analysis of numerous case studies of ancient textile artefacts, participants will acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills aimed at documenting, analysing, and conserving archaeological textile remains. Particular attention will be devoted to diagnostic protocols for assessing degradation and to musealisation processes. Technical and scientific aspects of textile studies, as well as critical evaluations of analytical procedures, will be discussed in relation to material types and their state of preservation.

The training programme will be complemented by a visit to the Museum of the Roman Ships of Nemi (Regional Directorate of Museums of Lazio), where participants will take part in seminars and practical activities in experimental and digital archaeology.

Programme

The A3TEX Summer School programme is structured into five thematic modules addressing the main aspects of the study, diagnostics, and conservation of archaeological textile heritage.

Module 1: Archaeological Study of Ancient Textile Artefacts

Historical and archaeological introduction to textile production: ancient craft practices, the textile chaîne opératoire, and contexts. Research protocols based on historical-archaeological approaches: structure of protocols and methodologies for addressing historical and archaeological questions. Interdisciplinary approaches: strategies for collaboration with experts from different disciplines to achieve accurate and meaningful results.

Module 2: Enhancement and Communication of Textile Heritage

Strategies for the exhibition and communication of archaeological textile heritage in museum contexts. Digital technologies: 3D modelling, augmented reality, and other innovative solutions for access and virtual preservation. Case studies of textile artefact musealisation and communication strategies tailored to different audiences.

Module 3: Preventive Conservation and Restoration Techniques

Methods for assessing the state of degradation of archaeological textiles. Preventive conservation approaches: environmental conditions, support materials, and packaging techniques. Development of intervention projects for the conservation and restoration of archaeological textile artefacts.

Module 4: Diagnostics and Archaeometric Analysis

Analytical techniques for the characterisation of textile materials: optical, digital, and scanning electron microscopy. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Liquid chromatography for dye analysis. Extraction techniques for proteomic identification. Application of archaeometric analyses to the conservation of textile artefacts.

Module 5: Strengthening Analytical Skills through Laboratory Practice

Documentation and identification of textile weaves. Analysis and characterisation of textile fibres and metallic threads. Extraction and analysis of dyes using mass spectrometry. Interpretation of spectra obtained from proteomic analyses for the identification of textile fibre species.

Methodology

The programme is structured through an integrated combination of lectures, seminars, case study analyses, and hands-on laboratory activities. Participants will have the opportunity not only to integrate theoretical approaches with direct work on archaeological samples, but also to engage with experts from different disciplines in the study of ancient textile heritage. This will enable them to develop competencies applicable in academic, museum, and conservation contexts.