Archeonaut - APT Basilicata

More documents

Recommendations

Info

aglioTHE GODDESS WHO PROTECTEDFIELDS AND GOATSA sacred divinity on earth and in theunderworld, “she who stands in themidst”, between the world of theliving and that of the dead: this is themeaning of the name Mephitis, thegoddess adored by the Lucanians. Herdivine qualities included the powersof Aphrodite, the Greek goddess ofbeauty, as well as those of Demeter,who ensured the alternating of theseasons and therefore a good harvest.The federal sanctuary in Rossano wastherefore dedicated to her, as we areinformed by the inscriptions in OscanMuseum hallAncient Lucanian Peoples(the language of the Lucanians), usingthe Greek alphabet. Models of carts,bronze spear tips and horses’ bits werebrought to Demeter and Mamerte, whofor the Lucanians was similar to Mars,in fulfilment of vows or to ensure thefavourable outcome of a battle. Allthese symbols leave no doubt that forthe Lucanians war, and its favourableoutcome, was the leit motiv of theirexistence. But first, to establish the kindof human osmosis that did not exist intimes of peace, they would gather incommunal banquets in which wine wasdrunk and roast or boiled meat waseaten, just like the Greeks.The Lucanians, together with theirancestors, the Bretti and the Sabellians,underwent so much misfortune that todayit is difficult to even distinguish theirsettlements. (Strabo the Geographer)ARCHEONAUT AND THE CHILD PRINCESSThere were toys, the sign of a livedchildhood, and precious jewels, omensof a destiny as a bride that was neverfulfilled. This is how the objects ofthe most abundant and unusual gravegoods discovered in Vaglio were foundlying, together with the huddled bodyof a very young woman (who wouldhave been no more than ten years old),almost as a recompense for a destinythat never became a lived life. Theybelonged to a high-ranking female whohad died prematurely, but was alreadyendowed with the accessories of aMuseum hallAncient LucanianPeoplesfuture bride, including amber necklacesand pendants, portraying, among otherthings, a sphinx, a foreboding symbolof the link between the earth and theunderworld, and gold hair clasps. Onher head was laid a precious finelycrafteddiadem, a testament to the skillof the local craftsmen, who certainlyhad contacts with the nearby worldof the Etruscans in Campania. All thepieces from the possessions of the“child princess” can be seen in thehall dedicated to the Lucanians at theNational Archaeological Museum inPotenza.62 63
A SPA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODSRossano di VaglioDetail of the sanctuary“The most precious commodity is water” statedthe Greek poet, Pindar, because everything growswhere water is found, and it purifies, saves, curesand quenches thirst. So if there was a placesurrounded by greenery on a 1,000m high plateau,with a breath-taking view and enviable strategicposition, where numerous sheep tracks convergeand several springs are located, then it couldonly have one destiny: to become the site of a keysanctuary. This is what the Lucanians must havethought when they built this sacred place in thelocality of Rossano di Vaglio, where they settled. Itwas impressive in size, with a long altar, of about27 metres, along which water flowed, needed forcleaning the sacred area after the sacrifices.The sanctuary had various rooms, one of whichwas entered through a columned portico, andcontained a niche with a depository for offeringsmade in fulfilment of vows. The objects found hereincluded an iron cart wheel, an erote and partof the hair and clothing of a huge bronze statue(probably that of the main divinity of the sanctuary,kept in the sacred chamber).An inscription discovered near the sacred areareveals that the sanctuary was restructured inthe Roman era (1st century BC) by the consulAcerronius, who clearly saw the value and strategicposition of the place and wanted to consolidate thestructure and its role.How to get to VaglioBY TRAINInfo: www.trenitalia.comBY PLANENAPLES AIRPORT distance: 150 km Info: +39 081 7896111BARI AIRPORT distance: 150 km. Info: +39 080 5835200BY CARA3 SALERNO-REGGIO CALABRIA take the Sicignano exit and then continue along the SSBasentana until the Vaglio exitA1 FLORENCE-ROME: proceed until Caserta, take the A30 Caserta-Salerno motorway,then the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria, exit at Sicignano and then continue along the SSBasentana until the Vaglio exitInfo: www.autostrade.itBY BUSwww.ibus.itArchaeological Areaand Museum ofAncient PeoplesVaglio bi <strong>Basilicata</strong>GPS: N 40° 40’ 3’’ E 15° 55’ 4’’64 65
Page 2 and 3: Archeonautjourneys through timetour
Page 4: The“Dino Adamesteanu”NationalAr
Page 7 and 8: ovincialArchaeological MuseumWe are
Page 9 and 10: The “Domenico Ridola” NationalA
Page 11 and 12: ateraFROM THE SCALPEL TOEXCAVATIOND
Page 13 and 14: The“Castello Pirro del Balzo”Ar
Page 15 and 16: Jewish Catacombs:a coexistence virt
Page 17 and 18: The “Massimo Pallottino”Archaeo
Page 19 and 20: BY TRAINInfo: www.trenitalia.comTHE
Page 21 and 22: etapontoAN ARTISTOF TWO THOUSAND FI
Page 23 and 24: TheSiris HerakleiaArchaeological Ar
Page 25 and 26: A SANCTUARYIN HONOUR OFDEMETER, GOD
Page 27 and 28: TheNationalArchaeologicalMuseum inM
Page 29 and 30: uro LucanoMODEL FARMSAS ROME DECLIN
Page 31: TheArchaeologicalArea and Museum of
Page 35 and 36: umentoHOMES WITH RUNNING WATER,JUST
Page 37 and 38: TheArchaeologicalNational Museum in
Page 39 and 40: WHO SAILS THESE WATERS…Lead ampho
Page 41 and 42: aragianoSTRENGTH IS IN UNITY. THEHO
Page 43 and 44: Archaeonaut RoutesToursEnotrianGree
Page 45 and 46: Travel Journal

Archeonaut - APT Basilicata

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?