# M. Stefanile, M. Silani, M. L. Tardugno, Research, promotion and management of an underwater archaeological site in a former industrial area. The cases of the vicus Lartidianus and vicus Annianus in the submerged port of Puteoli (Pozzuoli, Naples), BluemedPLUS Final Conference, Volos, 16 06 22 (original) (raw)
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International Journal of Heritage in the Digital Era, 2012
The aim of this paper is to present ten years of underwater archaeology investigations in the Marine Protected Area "Gaiola Underwater Park" in Naples, Southern Italy since its institution in 2002. These results are at the basis of a development plan that is now the starting point for new research aimed to create a model of enhancement for the underwater archaeological heritage in the Mediterranean context. The project is developed by an interdisciplinary group of young researchers so that all the issues correlated with the marine environment can be taken into account.
In Pozzuoli and Baiae, in the Gulf of Naples, villas, mosaics, baths, streets, houses and harbour structures of the Roman period were submerged by the sea, as a result of the volcanism. This unique environment, severely looted over the years, has been included in a Marine Protected Area since 2001. Since then, the Soprintendenza Archeologica has carried on some research and documentation works, while the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro has experimented with new techniques for the conservation of the underwater structures. The public access has been made possible with the opening of underwater archaeological trails, and through the involvement of the diving instructors active in the area, appropriately trained. Here we would like to analyse the effects of this strategy also through the lens of the tourism and diving industry, considering their needs and their expectations, together with the primary need to preserve the sites for the future generations.
Geomorphological features of the archaeological marine area of Sinuessa in Campania, southern Italy
Quaternary International, 2016
Submarine surveys carried out since the '90s along the coastland of Sinuessa allowed us to draw up a geomorphological map with archaeological findings. Along the sea bottom, 650 m off and À7 m depth, a Campanian Ignimbrite bedrock was detected: dated~39 kyr BP, its position is incompatible with the current sea level. Towards the northern edge of the shoal, a depressed area with 24 cubic elements in concrete was surveyed. These artefacts (pilae) are typical of Roman maritime structures widespread along the southernmost Phlegrean coast. Beachrocks and accessory landforms at the same depth of bedrock suggest that this was emerging and attended by man in Roman times, even for activities related to port facilities. Submerged palaeo-channels, in alignment of current watercourses on the mainland, dissect the shoal. These channels were moulded in subaerial environment during Würm glaciation, following the tuff deposition, and then were drowned by sea-level rise. The northernmost channel, next to the pilae, likely allowed transit and manoeuvring of Roman ships. The discovery along the seabed of a large stump of lead anchor, hundreds of Roman amphorae and fragments, as well as of a depression of millstone, confirm this finding. Probably the sinuous physiography favored the choice of this site for the docking of Sinuessa, as sheltered from storms.
In the Porto Cesareo (Lecce, Italy) coastal area, submerged and semi-submerged archaeological evidence has been uncovered by recent preliminary surveys carried out in close collaboration with the local marine protected area (MPA): (a) a navis lapidaria wreck of the Roman imperial age; (b) various scattered and decontextualised finds; (c) a beached wreck, probably medieval; (d) some submerged built-structures that are part of the Bronze Age Scalo di Furno settlement; and (e) remains of structures (walls, buildings, burial areas). The last three pieces of evidence allow for the hypothesis of a significantly different ancient coastal landscape than that of the present and a ‘dynamic’ scenario over the centuries.
In 1997, given the importance and complexity of the correct recovery and conservation procedures for underwater archaeological finds, an Underwater Archaeological Operations Unit was set up within the Italian Central Institute for Restoration. This Unit is made up of archaeologists, conservators, biologists and chemists, all of whom are underwater experts. It provides consultancy services and scientific and technical assistance for problems relating to recovery, conservation, protection and restoration of underwater archaeological heritage at the request of the Archaeological Superintendences. Great attention is paid to the professional training of underwater conservators. Specialized courses in the conservation of materials of underwater provenance are organized as part of the activities of the Institute’s School of Restoration. This paper illustrates some of the main initiatives both in the restoration of archaeological objects and in training, in which the Italian Central Institute for Restoration has been involved, since the Underwater Unit was created.
The realization of the Underwater Archaeological Parks and the creation of itineraries with informative and educational panels allow us, on the one hand, to transform the seabed in real museums extending the facilities of enjoyment of cultural heritage, and, on the other hand, offering even a wider range of job facilities for specialists in the field of management and conservation of Cultural Heritage. However, a multitude of problems, that are only partly comparable to those of similar realities existing on the mainland, needs to be addressed by Management of these public structures. How to protect, how to conserve the Underwater Cultural Heritage? Can protection be compatible with its enjoyment? The underwater restoration project set up by iscr since 2001 and still active in Baiae-Naples, now makes it possible to formulate some thoughts and some tips for planning cheap and effective interventions, aimed at the preservation, at restoration, enhancement and enjoyment of U.C.H. This paper addresses these issues, starting with the difference between Underwater Archaeological Parks and Underwater Archaeological Sites, then reaching out to the analysis of the different ways to achieve the purposes set out above.
The role of the Italian Central Institute of Restoration in the field of underwater archaeology
The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2002
In 1987, given the importance and complexity of the correct recovery and conservation procedures for underwater archaeological finds, an Underwater Archaeological Operations Unit was set up within the Italian Central Institute for Restoration. This Unit is made up of archaeologists, conservators, biologists and chemists, all of whom are underwater experts. It provides consultancy services and scientific and technical assistance for problems relating to the recovery, conservation, protection, and restoration of underwater archaeological heritage at the request of the Archaeological Superintendents. Great attention is paid to the professional training of underwater conservators. Specialized courses in the conservation of materials of underwater provenance are organized as part of its programme. This paper illustrates some of the main initiatives both in the restoration of archaeological objects and in training, in which the Institute has been involved, since the Underwater Unit was created.