Italy's empty hillforts

Reassessing urban-centric biases through combined non-invasive prospection methods on a Samnite site (fourth-third centuries BC)

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3348922
AutoresG Fontana (0000-0001-6011-5983, Texas Tech University, autor correspondente), Wieke De Neef (0000-0003-2243-4814, Ghent University)
Ano2024
Volume98
Fascículo402
Páginas1558-1575
Data de publicação2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAntiquity (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0003-598X • E-ISSN: 1745-1744
EditoraAntiquity Publications (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.15184/aqy.2024.157
OpenAlexW4403611616
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas19

During the second half of the first millennium BC, hundreds of hillforts dotted the central Italian Apennines. Often interpreted as 'proto-towns', the authors present results of investigations at Monte Santa Croce-Cognolo that challenge this idea. Previous studies identified a small area (<1ha) of occupation and suggested that habitation extended across the whole 18ha site. Combining geophysical and pedestrian survey with remotely sensed data, and local ethnographic accounts, the authors detect little evidence for permanent habitation and instead argue for activities connected with animal husbandry. The results challenge urban-centric interpretations by demonstrating the coexistence of monumental but uninhabited hillforts and urban sites-usually seen across the Mediterranean and Europe

Ancient history · Archaeology · Geography · Prospection · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · History