Ricerc@Sapienza

The aim of the proposed research is twofold. On the one hand to carry on the stratigraphical excavation (on-going since 1985) over a large area on the northern slope of the Palatine, between Roman Forum and Colosseum valley, and the reconstruction of the changing urban landscapes in this part of the ancient city since the Iron Age (10th c. b.c.e.) to Renaissance (16th c.). On the other hand to begin new investigations on the southern slope of the Velia Hill. It is a very relevant topographical context of high heuristic potential. Such a continuity of activities and site occupation makes this part of the ancient city an extremely intriguing case study, from an archaeological point of view, and an ideal sample to test and develop methods and strategies of collection and processing archaeological, architectural and topographical data over a large time span. More than this, the selected area coincides with the sacred and political core of ancient Rome. The evidence collected up to now allowed ancient historians and scholars of Antiquity as well to re-think problems related to the origins of the city and the history of roman institutions. It may be enough to mention the discovery of the Palatine Wall dating to 775-750 b.c.e., rebuilt until 530 b.c.e ca. and partially preserved as a marker in later urban landscape; the sanctuary of Vesta (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-Late Antiquity); royal and high priests (rex sacrorum and pontifex) residences (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-64 c.e.); a sanctuary (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-64 c.e.) to be possibly identified with the sanctuary of Jupiter Stator; the sanctuary of the Curiae Veteres; a section of the proto-urban settlement (10th-mid 8th c. b.c.e.) never attested over such a large area in Rome until now. Attention will be also paid to artefacts and biological remains in order to increase our knowledge of mass and market productions, building decoration as part of visual art, building techniques, alimentary habits and so forth.