Well-preserved ancient finds of objects from imperial life emerged in the Archaeological Park of Ancient Ostia

Excavations in theSacred Area of the Archaeological Park of Ancient Ostia have uncovered new archaeological fragments of objects used in imperial life and related to cult rituals. After the recovery of two fragments of the Fasti Ostienses found last year, now, during a recent intervention, implemented with CIPE funds and aimed at the general reorganization of the area for its imminent reopening to the public with the restoration of the temples and the restoration of the canals that ensured the disposal of rainwater, a new discovery has occurred. In the emptying of a well, in front of the steps of the Temple of Hercules, about 3 meters deep and still full of water, in fact, artifacts dating mostly between the end of the first and second centuries A.D. emerged, well preserved as they were submerged in a mud poor in oxygen. These are ceramics of various types, including miniature ones, oil lamps, fragments of glass containers, marble fragments, burnt animal bones and peach pits, surely used in specific sacred rituals within the archaeological area.

The finding of burnt bones primarily confirms the performance of animal sacrifices (pigs and cattle) in the sanctuary, while the common pottery, also bearing traces of fire, indicates that meat was cooked and consumed during banquets in honor of the deity. The remains of one or more of the ritual meals were thrown into the pit, the last ones probably when its function had been discontinued. Also among the most significant finds was an uncommon worked wooden object in the shape of a funnel or chalice, the function of which remains to be clarified. In addition to the chalice- funnel, decorated with a series of light incisions and concentric circles on the inside (near the hole that runs through it), other finds were unearthed that have “interlocking” moldings and external ribs, suggesting reciprocal grafts, and that are altogether referable to a cylindrical element vaguely resembling a tube.

The new finds were discovered in the Area Sacra, an important Ostiense sanctuary that arose from the third century B.C. near the spring called Aqua Salvia, along the ancient route of the so-called Via della Foce. Within the complex, dominated by the bulk of the Temple of Hercules and occupied by two other minor cult buildings such as the Temple of Tetrastylus (or Aesculapius) and the Temple of the Round Altar, priests predicted the outcome of military expeditions to generals about to leave for military campaigns. Thus, an oracular cult.

The research activity at the site was coordinated by the scientific head of the intervention, Dario Daffara, while the exploration of the well and the excavation of sediments were conducted by archaeologist Davide I. Pellandra and by Mario Mazzoli and Marco Vitelli of the A.S.S.O. (Archeologia Subacquea Speleologia Organizzazione) Association, a third-sector organization specializing in excavations and surveys in underground areas and places of historical and archaeological significance. Entrusted to the care of the Park’s Restoration Office, the woods are now being studied and will shed new light on the furnishings in use in Roman sanctuaries of the imperial age.

“Ancient Ostia is a marvel. It represents one of the most important archaeological sites in our nation, within which there are great values and above all there is a great history, the history of ancient Rome,” said Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano. “There are so many excavations active in Italy right now. In the Budget Law, we wanted to refinance excavation activities because, consistent with Article 9 of the Constitution, there is to protect but also to enhance. I congratulate those who are working on these excavations and those who make it possible to bring to light very important testimonies, which are the identity geography of our nation.”

“The restoration work has proved to be a unique opportunity to study and deepen knowledge about the functions and activities that took place in the sanctuary,” stressed MiC Museums General Director Massimo Osanna. “An important moment to do research in an area that at the time of its discovery, in the years 1938-40, returned works of sculpture that were identifiable for ancient Ostia and that will be housed in the soon-to-be-reopened Museo Ostiense: the statue of Cartilius Poplicola, the bust of Asclepius and the relief of the haruspex Fulvius Salvis with a scene of ’miraculous fishing’ of a statue of Hercules by Ostiense fishermen. Once again research, in its various forms, proves to be a key element in combining the different instances related not only to the protection, but also to the enhancement and enjoyment of cultural heritage.”

“The restoration project of the Sacred Area, drawn up by Studio Strati and directed by Park architect Valeria Casella, will soon make it possible to reopen to the public one of Ostia’s most ancient and evocative complexes, allowing visitors to access the cell of the Temple of Hercules, which has been interdicted until now. The floors of the nearby Temple of the Ara Rotonda, whose roof is also being reconstructed, will also be relocated,” added Ancient Ostia Archaeological Park director Alessandro D’Alessio.

Photo © Ministry of Culture

Well-preserved ancient finds of objects from imperial life emerged in the Archaeological Park of Ancient Ostia

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