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
Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
South Texas farmers say water shortages continue despite Mexico’s renewed payments under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Bayer’s Monsanto announces $7.25B class settlement for Roundup™ lawsuits alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), covering claims over 21 years.
Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
Duvall’s connection to cowboy culture extended beyond the screen.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
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!
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.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.