New archaeological techniques for the Roman period
Many questions arise when considering the Roman conquest of the region of South Etruria. They centre on what economic infrastructure came into being as well as how economic patterns and social systems changed and what the impact was. The EU-funded project ALBTUSMED II probed these issues using a multi-scale approach and the most modern scientific and analytical techniques. Data from the Alberese excavations was investigated and compared with two other Italian subregions. Important results were produced that provide a broader understanding of economic and settlement patterns for the region. Two major Roman sites were excavated. These included a manufacturing district (1st century to 6th century AD) and a maritime rural settlement (3rd century BC to 5th century AD). They provided substantial information to better reconstruct the complex interactions between imperial power and local activity. Approximately 10 settlements were identified. Publication of the first monograph and results of the archaeological research have been widely disseminated through workshops, conferences, public talks, press conferences, the Internet and social media as well as academic publications. Furthermore, a geographic information system platform was created to manage spatial data along with a database to host new information. The work is useful for the next generation of archaeologists in their field work as well as informing the general public through exhibitions of findings displayed in local museums.
Keywords
Roman period, economic patterns, Southern Tuscany, social systems, Alberese excavations
