When in Rome: Tennessee Ag Students Connect Ancient Building Techniques to Modern Agriculture

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture students traveled to Italy to study Roman and medieval construction, gaining a unique global educational experience.

KNOXVILLE, TENN. (RFD News) — Students at the University of Tennessee are taking their agriculture knowledge beyond the classroom through international study.

During a recent trip to Italy, students explored other fields connected to agriculture, including construction.

The group participated in a Roman and Medieval Construction Era abroad program, spending two weeks in Rome and Florence. The experience focused on how ancient construction methods compare to modern-day building practices.

Students studied techniques such as brick and masonry work, along with structural elements like arches that remain common in construction today.

Student Nick Dunn says the program offered a rare opportunity.

“I chose to study abroad program because it was something unique to our major. It is the first time that we’re going to be doing this and coming to Rome.”

About 100 Herbert College of Agriculture students studied abroad over the past year. The program combines efforts from the college and the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture.

In the past year, UT Herbert College of Agriculture faculty and students have visited countries including Argentina, Costa Rica, Croatia, and Greece.

UTIA’s Charles Denney reporting for RFD NEWS.

Related Stories
FarmHER Katharine Girone is a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and the 2018 #RootedInAg contest winner.
Harvest blueberries in the blueberry capital of Georgia. Meet Ann Wildes and her fields of fresh fruit.
FarmHER Annie Dee is a pioneer in sustainable practices, and her efforts led her to teach women farmers overseas.
Our list of artists who definitively shaped the genre that we recognize today as country music.
Turkey raises tariffs on some U.S. Agricultural goods – extending a fight between the two nations that sent Turkey’s currency plummeting.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.