Ricerc@Sapienza

The research project is focused on an interdisciplinary program, aimed at the reconstruction of development and transformation dynamics of the ancient city Elaiussa Sebaste. Both historical and environmental facets are considered, in order to contribute to cultural heritage¿s preservation.
Research has hitherto unearthed huge sectors of the site, showing relevant monumental complexes, in public and sacred areas, necropolises, residential and productive quarters.
From 2012 on, archaeological, geological, paleobotanical research and restoration activities have been joined by the underwater survey. The latter allowed to recognize a number of deposits, confirming the important role played by the city and its harbours within Mediterranean commercial routes from Roman imperial to Byzantine age.
The program foresees:
- Continuation and expansion of archaeological and paleoenvironmental research in the harbours¿ areas, to better define their development and transformation process
- Geomagnetic analysis on the promontory of the necropolis, in order to integrate our knowledge on plans of monumental complexes and better define the role of the necropolis in urban grid of unexcavated areas
- Continuation and expansion of archaeological research in the urban area, along with restoration and restitution of monumental complexes with particular attention to mosaics, updating of cartography, detailed topographical survey, 3D model elaboration
- Enhancing of visitors paths¿ planning and realization, according to a sustainable restoration of the built landscape
- Filing, graphical documentation, restoration and study of archaeological finds
- Updating of Territorial Informative System (GIS) and creation of a digital archive
- Beginning of an overall project on the 'world of the deads' as an interpretative model of the archaeological sites of Rough Cilicia
Excavation essays to trace possible testimonies of phases that precede the Hellenistic period