RECUPERARE IL PAESAGGIO RURALE STORICO: ELEMENTI PER UNA CARTA ARCHEOLOGICA DELLA PRESENZA ROMANA NELL’AGER CUPRENSIS

In September 2016, the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendence of the Marche and the municipality of Grottammare (AP), started a GIS project based on the documentation of a series of archaeological evidences dating back to the Roman period. In particular, the activities consisted in the survey of three water supply tanks in the territory of Grottammare and in the geo-referencing of the structures for the collection of water identified in the Ager Cuprensis and its proximity. Thanks to the support of a group of local volunteers, it was possible to rediscovery three water catchment basins, connected to the development of specialized cultures. These basins, known from local bibliographic sources and not adequately documented, were surveyed by laser scanner. From the 3D replicas, sections and elevations have been extracted to document in detail the technique, the function and chronology of structures. To analyze the relationship between this system of water collection and the agricultural landscape, a GIS has been implemented. The activities carried out so far have enabled the rediscovery of an almost unknown heritage, of extraordinary importance for the understanding of settlement dynamics in the Roman age in this part of the Marche.