SoA Forums

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Imperial Dave on December 12, 2023, 03:23:28 PM

Title: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Imperial Dave on December 12, 2023, 03:23:28 PM
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/civilisations/unpromising-archaeological-site-rewrites-decline-of-roman-empire/

Interesting but maybe a bit sensationalist on the rewriting element?
Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Erpingham on December 12, 2023, 04:02:42 PM
I'm a bit confused about dating.  Is it late 3rd century or "300 years after the decline of Rome"? 
Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Imperial Dave on December 12, 2023, 07:17:25 PM
True. Its not a great article but the find is nice
Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Nick Harbud on December 16, 2023, 12:12:23 PM
Quote from: Erpingham on December 12, 2023, 04:02:42 PMI'm a bit confused about dating. 

Oh dear - it may be too late to explain about it now.    ;)

Seriously, one should not underestimate the ability of the Empire to produce stunning architecture in its latter years.  For example, the Villa Romana del Casale (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Romana_del_Casale) was constructed during the earliy 4th century AD and only abandoned some 800 years later after it was buried by a landslide.  Yet it contains some of the most spectacular mosaic floors found anywhere.  Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Sicily.

Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Duncan Head on December 16, 2023, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: Erpingham on December 12, 2023, 04:02:42 PMI'm a bit confused about dating.  Is it late 3rd century or "300 years after the decline of Rome"? 
Still thriving in the later 3rd century, but the town was still occupied around 300 years later - till about 550 according to https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/interamna-lirenas-roman-backwater-bucked-empires-decline#group-section-Pottery-R4NMmQD962 (which you can get to by following links) - dunno if that explains the wording used.
Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Erpingham on December 16, 2023, 03:45:36 PM
A much clearer report - thanks. 
Title: Re: Surprising Italian Roman dig
Post by: Imperial Dave on December 16, 2023, 05:28:05 PM
Ah yes. Much better than the cockeyed one I found  ;D