Urban archaeology and excavation of a multi-layered site in the centre of ancient Rome: stratigraphy, architecture, and changing landscapes at the foot at the Palatine Hill: Roman Forum (Regio VIII), Palatium (Regio X), Velia Hill (Regio IV) and val...

Anno
2018
Proponente Paolo Carafa - Professore Ordinario
Sottosettore ERC del proponente del progetto
Componenti gruppo di ricerca
Abstract

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 Palatine 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. 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 pre- and proto-urban settlement (11th-mid 8th c. b.c.e.) never attested over such a large area in Rome until now. Attention will be also paid to historical documents (mainly inscriptions), artefacts and biological remains in order to increase our knowledge of society, mass and market productions, building decoration as part of visual art, building techniques, alimentary habits and so forth.

ERC
SH6_2, SH6_3, SH6_5
Keywords:
ARCHEOLOGIA CLASSICA, TOPOGRAFIA ANTICA, STORIA ANTICA, STORIA DEL PAESAGGIO, BENI CULTURALI

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