For the last forty years, Sapienza's Archeological Missions have represented one of the most important research perspectives for our University. The archaeological missions initially consisted of a limited number of significant research projects; they have increased over time and now include many scientific missions, involving numerous professors, researchers and students. The excavations cover a wide geographical area (Italy, the Near and Middle East, East Africa and the Sahara) and cover a vast chronological span, from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages, constituting an exceptional wealth of knowledge that places Sapienza in a position of excellence in the archaeological field. This is confirmed by international recognition and the excellent positioning of our University in the major university rankings.

To support its academic staff's research, Sapienza annually promotes a call for "Grandi Scavi" (Large Excavations), which aims to support archaeological and geo-palaeontological fieldwork, in Italy and abroad, that has achieved results of great international significance. The call is based on specific agreements between the person in charge of the funding request (Director) and Sapienza as the scientific institution hosting the research, or between Sapienza and the local authorities in charge of the excavations.