Artefact studies

A major part of this field project is connected with artefact studies, coordinated in the project by Dr Patrick Monsieur. We can distinguish three main categories of archaeological finds which are being studies by several team members since 2000: the finds from the PVS-team’s systematic surveys in the valley, materials excavated during past decades by the Soprintendenza on several sites in the lower valley and the finds brought to light since 2007 during the Ghent university excavations in the West-gate area of Potentia.

Roman lamp from Potentia.

Roman lamp from Potentia.

During the site surveys all potential chronologically diagnostic artefacts, all feature sherds (rims, bases, handles), all prehistoric pottery, and all lithics were collected. They were immediately processed and their study is now almost finalized. All artefact data are imported in an originally elaborated database, structured in Microsoft Access and linked to the general GIS system of the project. This makes it very easy to find at once the detailed description of a particular sherd, together with the information about the field situation in which it has been found. To contextualize these finds even better, intensive studies have been undertaken on material from well-dated contexts excavated in Potentia and in other sites of the lower Potenza valley. Specific studies have been organized (or are being undertaken) concerning, Late Bronze and Iron age pottery,  late Roman pottery and several categories of Late Republican and Imperial finds, such as amphorae, black glazed wares, lamps, coins and glass.

Typology of Roman amphorae found in the Potenza Valley.

Typology of Roman amphorae found in the Potenza Valley.