Roman rural settlements Research Papers (original) (raw)

In the area of Ficarolo and Gaiba (Rovigo), object since the 17th century of several occasional archaeological finds, have taken place through time different excavations (1904, 1982, 1990-2000) and a high number of surveys. In particular, between 1992 and 2000 intense archaeological excavation activities, conducted by the University of Bochum (D), has interested the Roman settlement of Chiunsano (Gaiba). From 2010 have been planned by the University of Ferrara new research in connection with updating the archaeological map of the area. Following the acquisition of new data it was possible to expand the knowledge on ancient frequentation and, more generally, on the ancient settlement of this territory. 28 sites have been identified, 26 of which have returned materials from Roman times, including both settlements (FI 2, FI 4, FI 5, FI 10, FI 11, FI 12, GA 2, GA 3, GA 4, GA 6, GA 7, GA 8, GA 9, GA 14), sometimes with the presence of tombs (FI 5, GA 4), and burials (FI 1, FI 8, FI 13, GA 1, GA 5 and probably FI 9). Also two roads are archaeologically documented (FI 7, GA 13), one of which is visible in aerial photos. Among these most attention has been given to the analysis of the archaeological material found in the sites of the area of Trento (Ficarolo) and Sanguinara (Gaiba).
The first significant data emerged concerns the chronology of the peopling. The Roman presence manifests itself in fact already during the Republican time (2nd/1st century BC), but in three sites is also documented an earlier, pre-Roman frequentation. The Roman presence becomes significant in the Augustan age and continues until the full High Middle Ages, when it is built here the Parish Church of Santa Maria in Trenta/Trentum (Trento).
The remains of material culture well document the good quality of the standard of living achieved during the Roman period and the close relationship that developed between the settlements and the road network. From here passed a secondary branch of the Po and the area was affected by the passage of a road that from Mutina (Modena) and Bononia (Bologna) led to Aquileia, mentioned in the Itinerarium Antonini. The area is fully inserted in the long-range trades again in Late Antiquity. It also indicates the presence in the territory of discharged soldiers (Roman military diplomas) and Ostrogoths.
The data shows clearly the centrality of the area gravitating around Chiunsano-Trento.