Publications
Ceramic assemblages from late antique destruction deposits at Campanaio (Sicily)
A new dataset from the rural settlement of Campanaio in Sicily reveals a significant increase in African imports, particularly amphorae, during the fifth century CE. This finding challenges established models of Late Antique economic patterns in rural Sicily by suggesting a shift from a production-focused agricultural economy to one centered on consumption of imported goods. The study, part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellowship project, analyzed previously unpublished ceramic material from well-preserved destruction deposits. The legacy archive, originally collected by Roberta Tomber and restudied by Fabrizio Ducati, has been standardized into a structured dataset adhering to FAIR data principles, enabling broader archaeological interpretation.
Connectivity and change in the waterproofing technology of ancient sicily: evidence from Selinunte and Agrigento
A new study reveals that the development and transmission of advanced waterproofing technologies in ancient Sicily were driven by increasing connectivity between Greek, Punic, and Roman communities. Analyzing 22 mortar specimens from Selinunte and Agrigento—dating from the mid-6th century BCE to the 1st century CE—the research established a preliminary chronology of waterproof lining technology, demonstrating how socio-technological exchanges facilitated innovation in hydraulic systems. The study employed microscopic, digital imaging, elemental analysis, and novel µX-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy (µXFM) techniques to contextualize technological change within Sicily's complex history, highlighting the role of interconnectedness in shaping ancient Mediterranean engineering.
Paesaggi stratificati, verso una gestione integrata del patrimonio culturale
An innovative geodatabase has been developed to manage and analyze the multi-layered cultural landscape of Sicily, integrating archaeological, architectural, historical, and environmental data. This system enables the visualization, overlay, and correlation of diverse information on a single digital platform, reconstructing territorial evolution while identifying critical vulnerabilities for risk assessment and heritage conservation. The approach combines interdisciplinary collaboration with advanced spatial data management to support integrated cultural landscape protection, offering practical tools for sustainable preservation.
Il santuario di Zeus Olympios ad Agrigento: da Akragas al Grand Tour, al 3D
Recent archaeological research at the Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios in Agrigento, Italy, has revealed the original spatial articulation and plurality of sacred structures that characterized the site during antiquity. These findings challenge centuries-old perceptions dominated by the monumental Olympieion, which overshadowed the broader sanctuary context. Using advanced 3D technologies, researchers from the University of Palermo have restored and reconstructed the sacred landscape, highlighting its close interconnection with nature—a defining feature designed by ancient Akragantines. This study bridges gaps between historical interpretations and modern reconstructions, offering a unified understanding of the sanctuary's evolution over time.
Risk Analysis of Stratified Landscapes: Toward an Integrated System for Documenting and Managing Cultural Heritage in Southern Sicily
An advanced geospatial database, ARPAS, demonstrates significant potential for enhancing the study, preservation, and risk assessment of cultural landscapes. By integrating heterogeneous datasets—including archaeological, architectural, and environmental data—ARPAS improves information completeness and supports predictive analyses for heritage conservation in southern Sicily. The system addresses methodological challenges related to data heterogeneity and limitations of existing tools, offering a centralized platform for real-time analytical processing and collaborative research. Pilot deployment across four provinces (Agrigento, Catania, Ragusa, Siracusa) highlights its ability to manage temporal stratification and support interdisciplinary landscape research, marking a step forward in digital innovation for cultural heritage management.
Shape Memory Alloys for Reversible Restoration of Ancient Monuments
Research demonstrates the potential of shape memory alloys (SMAs), particularly Nitinol, for reversible restoration of ancient monuments, addressing key challenges in structural conservation. The study characterizes the thermomechanical behavior of SMAs under varying conditions to develop functional devices for restoring monumental elements at Agrigento's Valle dei Templi site. By leveraging the superelastic properties and shape memory effects of Nitinol, the research aims to create reversible, replicable solutions that preserve architectural integrity while adapting to environmental factors. This approach offers a novel methodology for anastylosis, aligning with principles of structural conservation.
Continuity, Resilience, and Change in Rural Settlement Patterns from the Roman to Islamic Period in the Sicani Mountains (Central-Western Sicily)
A new study reveals how rural settlement patterns in the Sicani Mountains of central-western Sicily evolved from Roman to Islamic periods, highlighting dynamics of continuity, resilience, and change. Strategic location between Palermo and Agrigento played a pivotal role in communication networks across these eras. The research integrates archaeological fieldwork with GIS-based spatial and statistical analyses, incorporating topographic (elevation, slope, aspect, TPI, distance to water) and ecological factors (vegetation series). This approach elucidates the complex transition dynamics from Roman settlement systems to Islamic landscape formation, offering insights into the interplay between historical developments and environmental factors in shaping rural landscapes. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the long-term impacts of cultural and environmental changes on settlement patterns.
New discovery of an ancient building in Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy) through the integration of geophysical surveys
A new discovery of buried building remains in the Valley of Temples, Agrigento (ancient Akragas), has been made using advanced geophysical surveys. The study, conducted over a 3,000 m² area north of Plateia I-L, employed non-invasive techniques such as Electromagnetic (EM) surveys and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). These methods revealed subsurface anomalies indicative of buried structures, which were later confirmed through archaeological excavations. A wall constructed with large calcarenite blocks was uncovered, suggesting the presence of a building from the Hellenistic or Classical period. This discovery is significant as it may represent part of a larger, more complex structure near the entrance of the 'circular altars' sanctuary, potentially playing a vital role in Akragas's religious topography.
Prefazione
Recent archaeological investigations at the Archaeological Area of Agrigento, led by the Scuola Normale Superiore and supported by local heritage authorities, have shed new light on the construction phases and cultual practices of the Temple D complex. The 2022 excavation campaign, which included a summer school under the EELISA network, focused on two key areas: the altar and the western sector of the sanctuary. At the altar, continued digging uncovered ceramic and metallic materials, including votive offerings, that reveal the altar's classical-era construction phases and provide insights into earlier arcaic cultual activities. Meanwhile, exploration of a calcarenite block wall in the western sector suggests its association with a late-arcaic phase of the sanctuary, characterized by an orientation distinct from the later classical temple but maintained by the altar structure. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the site's evolution and religious significance during the transition from arcaic to classical periods.
Agrigento. Il Parco archeologico e paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi
The establishment of the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento marks a significant milestone in the conservation of one of Sicily's most extraordinary heritage sites. Originating from a dramatic landslide in 1966 that exposed the urgent need for preservation, this site was designated as a National Interest Zone in the same year and later protected by law in 1968. Despite controversies surrounding economic interests and urban development, the area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, followed by its official establishment as a park in 2000. This process not only preserved 1300 hectares of monumental and landscape heritage but also fostered community awareness and stewardship, transforming a forgotten legacy into a symbol of cultural pride and conservation success.
Agrigento. Lo scavo-scuola 2021: premesse metodologiche e risultati
A collaborative excavation at the Archaeological Area of Agrigento, focusing on the Temple D, has shed new light on the boundaries and layout of the sacred sanctuary. Through photogrammetric surveys and targeted excavations in three distinct sectors, researchers aimed to define the limits of the temenos—a long-standing question. Two new trenches (saggi 5 and 7) were opened: one near the northeastern access curve to the archaeological site and another in the western area of the temple, revealing an unexplored wall alignment. A third trench (saggio 3) expanded previous investigations within the monumental altar, providing deeper insights into its structure. The study, conducted in partnership with the Valle dei Templi Park, employed advanced methodologies to enhance understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Le paysage rural de la Sicile méridionale au v e siècle après J.-C. : le cas de Cignana
Agrigento's rural landscape underwent significant transformation during the 5th century AD, marked by the rise and expansion of settlements on previously abandoned sites. The villa at Cignana, near Agrigento, exemplifies this change: simple structures replaced a luxurious dwelling from the mid-3rd century CE, covering a much larger area. Archaeological excavations in 2006 revealed pottery predominantly from Vandal Africa, indicating strong ties with north-eastern Tunisia and suggesting socio-economic or political shifts that fostered rural settlement growth. Similar ceramic assemblages found in nearby sites reinforce this pattern, pointing to widespread changes across southern Sicily's countryside.
LRCW 6: Late Roman Coarse Wares, Cooking Wares and Amphorae in the Mediterranean: Archaeology and Archaeometry
The 6th International Conference on Late Roman Coarse Wares, Cooking Wares and Amphorae in the Mediterranean, held at Agrigento's Valle dei Templi, revealed significant insights into the trade networks, production centers, and regional contexts of ceramic materials during the Late Roman period. The conference highlighted the complexity of sea and land routes that facilitated the movement of goods across the Mediterranean, while also shedding light on the organization and distribution of workshops and production sites. By examining archaeological evidence from various regions—including western and eastern Mediterranean, Sicily, and Mediterranean islands—the study provided a comprehensive overview of ceramic trade dynamics, offering new perspectives on economic and cultural exchanges during this pivotal historical period.
The production of western Greek amphorae in Agrigento (Southern Sicily): An archaeometric and archaeological characterisation of the late 6th-4th centuries BCE series
Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Sicily, emerges as a significant player in the ancient Mediterranean wine trade during the late 6th to 4th centuries BCE. A study combining archaeometric and archaeological methods confirms that western Greek amphorae found in Agrigento were locally produced, challenging previous assumptions about the origin of these vessels. The research, involving petrographic and chemical analyses of ceramic samples from excavations and consumption sites, reveals a high degree of homogeneity in the local ceramic pastes, derived from clays sourced nearby. This finding sheds new light on the economic development of Agrigento during its late Archaic and Classical periods, positioning it as a key hub for commercial interactions across Sicily.
Agrigento: Archaeology of an Ancient City. Urban Form, Sacred and Civil Spaces, Productions, Territory
Recent archaeological research at the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, conducted by the University of Bologna, has uncovered a significant chronological sequence spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 8th century CE. This study, the first of its kind presented internationally, documents an entire insula (III) within the Hellenistic-Roman quarter, revealing critical insights into the city's urban evolution and abandonment. The research employed advanced documentation techniques to map the sector's development from its founding as a Greek colony to its eventual decline, providing unprecedented details on the city's sacred, civil, and productive spaces.
Il Discorso della Chiesa Siciliana sulla Mafia
A significant reflection on the mafia phenomenon, rooted in the 2018 'Convertitevi!' letter by the Sicilian Episcopal Conference (CESI), underscores the enduring impact of Pope John Paul II's 1993 visit to Agrigento. This visit, marked by his powerful call for peace during a mass at the Valle dei Templi, remains a pivotal moment in Sicily's struggle against organized crime. The letter, authored by Sicilian bishops and presented in Agrigento under the auspices of Cardinal Montenegro, extends its critique beyond regional boundaries to address mafia-like structures across Italy. By linking historical and contemporary challenges, this discourse offers a moral and spiritual framework for combating systemic corruption, bridging theological reflection with societal action.
La Valle dei Templi in epoca medievale. Caratterizzazione antropologica e paleopatologica delle sepolture antistanti il Tempio della Concordia
A bio-archaeological study of 14 medieval burials near the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento, Sicily, reveals significant heterogeneity in age groups and identifies pathological alterations, including Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), particularly in mature individuals. The research utilized anthropological diagnostic techniques to reconstruct biological profiles, estimating sex, age at death, height, and occupational stress markers despite the poor conservation state of some remains. While the sample size is not representative of the entire medieval population of Agrigento, these findings provide preliminary insights into population dynamics and health conditions during this period.
Patrimonio e progetto
A significant disconnect exists between architecture and archaeology, despite their inherent relationship, particularly in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study highlights how existing constraints often hinder collaboration between these fields, limiting the potential for integrated approaches to heritage preservation and presentation. Focusing on the Valle dei Templi di Agrigento—the largest archaeological park in the world—researchers conducted a didactic and investigative project titled 'La Grande Akragas' to explore the role of architectural design in enhancing the understanding and safeguarding of archaeological sites. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge this gap, offering new perspectives on how architecture can contribute to the interpretation and conservation of cultural heritage.
Per una lettura socio-economica dei contesti abitativi: L’insula I del Quartiere ellenistico-romano di Agrigento.: La domus I A – I B
A new socio-economic analysis of the Insula I in Agrigento's Hellenistic-Roman Quarter reveals that the domus I A/B, one of the largest residences in the area, was likely owned by an Italic merchant rather than a local elite. This conclusion is drawn from its architectural design, which combines elements typical of both Hellenistic peristyle houses and Roman double-atrium dwellings like those in Pompeii. The study suggests that the residence's transformation reflects the influence of Italic settlers, possibly involved in sulfur trade, rather than the adoption of Roman living styles by local elites. This insight is based on recent re-evaluations of excavations from the 1950s-60s, providing a fresh perspective on the socio-economic dynamics of ancient Akragas/Agrigentum.
Da Akragas ad Agrigentum: le forme dell'abitare alla luce delle più recenti ricerche nel Quartiere ellenistico-romano
Recent archaeological research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agrigento, specifically within the Hellenistic-Roman Quarter of the Valle dei Templi Park, has uncovered a new residential structure, Casa III M. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of the evolution and characteristics of habitation in this area from the Hellenistic to the Roman Imperial period. The study, conducted by the University of Bologna, sheds light on the spatial organization and architectural features of domestic spaces during these historical phases, contributing valuable insights into the urban development and cultural continuity of ancient Akragas/Agrigentum.
Il santuario di Zeus Olympios ad Agrigento: al di là del tempio monumentale
A reassessment of the Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios at Agrigento reveals it as a structured, organic ensemble rather than just the colossal Temple of Zeus. Research shows that from 480 to 450 B.C., a coherent building program included an oikos with two phases, a large pool, and monumental halls, reflecting grand rituals not previously addressed. These structures, connected by a complex drainage system, suggest multifunctional use for religious and festive occasions, engaging in dialogue with other components of the 'sacred acropolis.' Findings hint at a female divinity linked to rites of female maturation, with the pool and open-air area integral to these rituals. A monumental hall with a stone structure implies the performance of theoxenic rituals, coinciding with Pindar's description of honoring the Tyndaridae.
The Discovery of the Theater of Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy): An Archaeological Confirmation of the Supposed Buried Structures from a Geophysical Survey
A long-sought theater of ancient Akragas, part of the UNESCO-listed Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Italy, has been definitively confirmed through a groundbreaking archaeological study. Using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) over 5,500 m², researchers identified concentric semicircular high-resistivity zones—later validated by excavation—that precisely matched the layout of a massive theatrical complex with a diameter of approximately 95 meters. The findings include the summa cavea (upper seating tier), foundation structures arranged in a semicircle, and rock-cut seat imprints, demonstrating an unprecedented alignment between geophysical modeling and archaeological discovery. This multidisciplinary approach, combining topographic studies, satellite imagery analysis, and non-invasive surveys, sets a new standard for identifying buried ancient structures with high precision.
New researches on Pottery workshops in Akragas. Excavations in the artisanal area outside Gate 5 (excavation 2019)
Recent excavations at the Archaeological Area of Agrigento have uncovered significant insights into the pottery production of ancient Akragas, particularly outside Gate 5. Researchers from the University of Bologna, in collaboration with the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples, identified two previously unknown kilns (D and E) within a sector of the city's kerameikos quarter. This area, located near the Hypsas river and the sanctuary dedicated to the Chtonian Deities, was known for its three kilns (A-C), but this study expanded the understanding of its craft activities. The workshop produced Greek-Western amphoras, banded pottery, plain ware, tiles, and terracotta figurines, offering a glimpse into the colony's dynamic production during a period of growth. Non-invasive surveys (2017-2018) and excavations (2019) were employed to systematically investigate this artisanal zone, providing valuable data on the organization and output of Akragas' pottery workshops.
3D Modeling of Two louteria Fragments by Image-Based Approach
A groundbreaking digital approach has successfully reconstructed and analyzed two small fragments of louteria, a large terracotta vase from the Greek colony of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento, Sicily). By employing high-precision 3D modeling techniques based on image analysis, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in documenting these archaeological artifacts. The resulting models revealed intricate decorative features and geometric characteristics that were previously obscured or challenging to study. This method not only preserves the fragments digitally but also provides a new framework for interpreting and understanding their historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento.
A survey on the digital enhancement of the archaeological sites on Google and a multimedia pilot project in the Agrigento Valley of the Temples in Sicily (Italy)
A pioneering digital enhancement project at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agrigento Valley of the Temples, has successfully mapped the Temple of Juno Lacinia, making it the first Greek temple globally accessible via a 360° online tour on Google platforms. This initiative introduces interactive features such as clickable points of interest, accompanied by descriptive sheets detailing architectural and decorative elements, capitals, columns, 3D reconstructions, videos, and aerial virtual tours captured using drones. The project, currently in its pilot phase, aims to expand this immersive experience to the entire valley, offering multilingual (Italian and English) and audio-guided content. This approach not only preserves and showcases the site's cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for digital preservation and accessibility of archaeological sites worldwide.
Estrazione e raffinazione dello zolfo e paesaggio nella Sicilia romana tra IV e VI d.C.
Recent archaeological and historical evidence has redefined the chronology of sulphur extraction and refinement in the Agrigento region, Sicily, dating its peak activity between the late 4th and 6th centuries AD. This period saw significant sulphur production, primarily for agricultural use, particularly in viticulture to combat fungal diseases, which strengthened economic ties with Rome and other Mediterranean regions. The study highlights the transformation of mining landscapes during Late Antiquity and the Byzantine era, suggesting that Agrigento's role as a fiscal center may have diminished due to the rise of other centers. By analyzing historical sources like the Tabulae sulphuris and archaeological remains, researchers provide new insights into the commercial and cultural exchanges linked to Sicily's 'solfifera' area, emphasizing its broader significance in ancient trade networks.
Towards a new definition of ancient Akragas' urban grid. Preliminary contribution for a new image of the city
A groundbreaking redefinition of ancient Akragas' urban grid challenges the long-standing 1958 model proposed by Griffo and Schmidt. Through collaborative research involving the Archaeological Park of Agrigento, Politecnico di Bari, University of Catania, and Kore University of Enna, scientists E. Brienza and M. Liuzzo analyzed ancient street patterns in the upper Agora, reconstructing the city's lost architectural landscape. This preliminary study introduces a novel planning scheme that significantly differs from previous interpretations, offering fresh insights into the spatial organization of this UNESCO-listed archaeological site.
Integration of constrained electrical and seismic tomographies to study the landslide affecting the cathedral of Agrigento
Integrated geophysical techniques reveal the complex subsurface structures underlying landslides at Agrigento's Cathedral of Saint Gerland, providing critical insights for stabilization efforts. The study combined 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), microtremor analysis, and surface wave soundings to map lithological layers, fractures, and cavities affecting the hillside. By constraining geophysical data with stratigraphic information from boreholes, researchers constructed robust 3D models of electrical resistivity and P-wave velocity, elucidating the sliding processes that threaten the cathedral and adjacent Archaeological Park. These findings offer a foundation for targeted landslide consolidation works to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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