Archeofinds
Aquileia
Aquileia Roman fluvial harbour
UCF Research Unit case-study
Aquileia is recognized as a major emporium in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea and a key site in commercial routes. Since 2010 Ca’ Foscari University of Venice has been undertaking archaeological excavations on the eastern bank of the fluvial Roman harbour. Stratigraphic investigations have been integrated by a program of geo-environmental investigations, performed through systematic core drilling, implemented by palaeo-environmental laboratory analyses. Core drilling has allowed us to collect numerous information from the deep stratigraphy, corresponding to the period of construction, use and abandonment of the fluvial harbour. A considerable amount of information has already been collected either by pottery finds and archaeobotanical/zoological data, integrated by a systematic processing and re-examination of published ceramological and environmental data.
In most current narratives, exploration of trade relations through the detailed study of ceramic material remains a key axis of research; methodologically, mapping continues to enhance our understanding of patterns of distribution and possible trade relations. The Ca’ Foscari team will focus on interdisciplinary approaches to ancient economy, with a particular focus on late 1st century BC to late 3th century AD Aquileia. The final objective will be to draw an innovative approach to the economic landscape, using pottery data-analysis, statistical manipulation, coupled with environmental data analysis and to highlight the role of Aquileia as a producer, consumer and redistribution center.