Previous Work

Excavations on the site in 1994 has revealed a complex pattern of settlement which spans approximately 600 years. Several buildings have been identified which have a strikingly uniform approach to constructional methods. Buildings seem to have been constructed with footings of locally available stone on top of which was placed mud-brick superstructure. Floors would appear to be of beaten earth and roofing material was probably of clay tile (an extensive tile fall was discovered in Trench B). Dating and periodisation of the site has been possible through the analysis of extensive ceramic assemblages resident in the site's stratigraphic horizons.
 

Photograph of 1994 and 1995 excavation of Trench C looking NW showing the foundations from several phases of occupation (100BC to AD 400).

 

Finds from the excavations have revealed not only locally produced wares but also imported vessels such as Turkish and African amphorae used for the storage of oil (Wilson. 1995). A small pilot excavation was undertaken at the site in 1980 by the project director who identified an oil vat which was interpreted as evidence for oil production at the site giving some indication of the economic activity engaged upon at the settlement.
Further possible evidence relating to the economic activity undertaken at the site was the identification of ceramic wasters which hinted at the presence of a nearby kiln site. The identification of such a kiln would greatly enhance the understanding of ceramic production in Hellenic Sicily with only one known site on the island (Wilson. pers.comm.).
 

Main Menu Page
Introduction to the Campanaio Project
Site Location and Topography
Survey Methodology
Results and Interpretation
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References

Comments and enquires should be addressed to:
John Gale (email: jgale@bmth.ac.uk)