FIRB 2010: Il paesaggio di una grande strada romana
The FIRB activities ...
Archaeological surveys and investigations along the Appia route and the surrounding territory
Archaeological investigation was led by DILBEC according to methodological guidelines which are proper of the topographic discipline; it was functional to the reconstruction and understanding of site developments along the Appia route between Fondi and Itri and in the close territory revolving around it.
Aero-photogrammetry and archaeological photo-interpretation
From previous studies, the analysis of altitude variations which characterize the hilly slopes bounding the Appia route track within the St. Andrea Valley already evidenced how they were originated from natural trend and anthropogenic activities also, both in ancient and modern times.
SIT arrangement, data-storing and management
A fundamental tool for storing and manage data obtained from research activities was given by a SIT (Sistema Infomativo Territoriale, i.e. Territorial Informative System), named AVIA, which was arranged by DILBEC to address project needs and allow the organization of information acquired by both operative units.
Geomorphological and landscape analysis
In order to comprehend the main natural characteristics of the Aurunci Mts. territory crossed by the Appia route, a detailed (1:5.000 scale) geological and geomorphological survey of the St. Andrea Valley and surrounding mountain ridges was carried on.
Topography and Photogrammetry
The topographic and photogrammetric surveys of the area surrounding St. Andrea fort involved the digital restitution of remaining structures of archaeological interest by means of high-precision instruments (Figs. 1,2). The collected data have been handled with standard topographic methodologies.
Geophysical prospecting
A series of geophysical surveys part of the project activities, have been carried out emploing the following methods: Ground Penetrating Radar( GPR), Differential Magnetometry, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). Geophysical investigations were used with the aim to identify the distribution of archaeological structures in the subsoil and their spatial correlation relative to environmental context.