Investing in Infrastructure: Results of the 2023 Coriglia Excavation Project (15 min)
Presenters
William H. Ramundt, University at Buffalo
Abstract
This paper will present the
results of 2023 excavations at the site of Coriglia, located northwest of
Orvieto, Italy. The major occupation of Coriglia begins with an Etruscan phase
in the sixth century B.C.E. and reaches its peak during the Roman Imperial
period. The site occupies a large hillside defined by a series of L-shaped
terrace walls that are persistent through the life of the site. At various
periods, these walls supported domestic areas, at least two bath complexes,
production spaces, and a possible sacred space associated with a hot spring.
The continuous habitation, regular restructuring, and later spoliation has made
broad interpretations difficult, but evidence from this season resulted in
several important interpretations about the major functions of the site.
Three major features were
investigated this season. The first was a large vasca built next to the site’s
major roadway. The two natural springs found on site necessitated intensive
water management throughout the life of the site and the evidence from this new
vasca offers new understanding of these and the purposes behind it.
The second area investigated
this season was the site’s major roadway. Further excavation allowed us to
better understand persistent nature of this feature and how movement influence
the development of the site.
The final area that was
investigated this season was a series of retaining walls found at the edge of
the major terrace. Excavation revealed evidence of instability, consistent
investment to maintain the layout of the site, and spoliation activity related
to the end of habitation at Coriglia. This paper will discuss this evidence
from these areas, present a new interpretation for the major purpose behind the
site, discuss the end of habitation at Coriglia, and situate the site within
the context of the central Italian countryside.
AIA-1D