Free Online Archaeology Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

Sapienza University of Rome

At the Origins of the Mediterranean Civilization: Archaeology of the City from the Levant to the West - 3rd-1st millennium BC (Coursera)

Humanities

Dive into the rich history of the Mediterranean Civilization with this comprehensive course. Uncover the origins, exchanges, and innovations that shaped ancient societies from the Levant to the West. Learn about the development of cities, architecture, art, religion, and daily life through archaeological findings spanning the 3rd to 1st millennia BC.

Jun 29th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Archaeology Roman Harbour Mediterranean

Coursera

Sapienza University of Rome

The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill (Coursera)

Humanities

Dive into the fascinating world of ancient Rome with 'The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome: Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill'. This course offers an immersive experience as you explore the Palatine Hill, one of the most historically significant sites in Roman civilization. Learn about the evolution of this landscape from its early beginnings to its role in shaping Roman history.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Archaeology Ancient Rome

Coursera

Leiden University

Osteoarchaeology: The Truth in Our Bones (Coursera)

Sci: Biology & Life Sciences Health & Society

Dive into the fascinating world of osteoarchaeology and uncover the stories buried deep within human skeletons. This course explores how archaeologists and anthropologists use bone analysis to reconstruct ancient societies, understand disease patterns, and trace migration routes.

May 15th 2023

5-12 Weeks

Health Science Healthy

FutureLearn

University of Padova

Change of Era: The Origins of Christian Culture through the Lens of Archaeology (FutureLearn)

History

Discover how archaeology sheds light on the beginnings of Christian culture and its impact during a pivotal era in history. This FutureLearn course takes you through four weeks of exploration, uncovering the political, economic, cultural, and environmental shifts that defined the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Dec 5th 2022

4 Weeks

Archaeology Christianity Christian

Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah (edX)

EdX

IsraelX

Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah (edX)

Humanities Art and Culture

Embark on an exciting journey through time as you explore the rich history of ancient Israel and Judah with this introductory course on Biblical Archaeology. Delve into the fascinating world of archaeological discovery, uncovering the stories hidden beneath the earth's surface and their connections to biblical texts. This course is perfect for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or religious studies.

Nov 1st 2022

5-12 Weeks

History Archaeology Ancient Egypt

FutureLearn

University of York

Exploring Stone Age Archaeology: The Mysteries of Star Carr (FutureLearn)

Humanities History

Discover the wonders of Star Carr, a pivotal site in understanding our ancient past. This course takes you on an enlightening journey through the Stone Age, exploring the oldest house in Britain, Europe's earliest carpentry evidence, and the world’s oldest complete bow. Perfect for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts.

May 30th 2022

4 Weeks

Archaeology Stone Age Star Carr

FutureLearn

University of Reading,Colchester Musuems

Dead Interesting: Uncovering Roman Britain in Old Museum Collections (FutureLearn)

History

Dive into the fascinating world of Roman Britain with 'Dead Interesting: Uncovering Roman Britain in Old Museum Collections'. This course takes you on an exploration of early Roman life through the lens of archaeological discoveries. By examining ancient remains and museum collections, you'll gain insights into the daily lives, rituals, and culture of people living in Roman Britain over 2000 years ago. Special focus is given to understanding cremation burials and reconstructing a profile of individuals from the first century AD.

Dec 6th 2021

2 Weeks

History Archaeology Roman Britain

FutureLearn

University of Padova

Enlightening the Dark Ages: Early Medieval Archaeology in Italy (FutureLearn)

History

Dive into the depths of history and uncover the mysteries of early medieval Europe through the lens of archaeology, specifically in Italy. This course will guide you through innovative methods used to study the material remains from this transformative period, offering unique insights into life during the Dark Ages.

Nov 1st 2021

4 Weeks

History Medieval Middle Ages

FutureLearn

Durham University

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology (FutureLearn)

History

Explore the intricate world of forensics with our course on Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology. Delve into the methods used to locate, recover, and analyze human remains, employing DNA analysis and pathology. Gain insights into the process of exhuming and identifying deceased individuals through their skeletal remains.

Oct 4th 2021

5-12 Weeks

DNA Archaeology Forensics