ROME - The archaeological park of Ostia antica, launches for the first time after some decades, its own dig and research project, in collaboration with the department of human sciences of the University of Catania, in Sicily.
The research project, called 'Ostia Post Scriptum', underscores the resumption of the park's scientific research, aimed at investigating two specific areas: the Regio II, behind the Four Temples area and the Domus Apuleio and the Regio IV area, within the Porta Marina Foro, both are part of the main walks of the archaeological area of Ostia. These digs will be conducted with the support of non-invasive geophysical prospects and dig trials.
The dig is aimed primarily for training purposes and scientific research. However, it also aims to increase the fruition and value of the archaeological area and by organizing information initiatives within the remit of "public archaeology". The aim is to engage visitors, guided visits, conferences and seminars on the main themes related to the research, promoting information on social media and, on occasion of the European Heritage Days 2022, on 24 and 25 September. The research will start today until 23 September 2022, with the participation of professors, researchers and bachelor and PhD students and those following specialization courses, from the University of Catania with the support of the University of Molise, under the supervision of the technical staff of the archaeological park of Ostia antica. Research will take on a multi-disciplinary aspect, based on a wide range, non-invasive investigative approach, together with drone images and, of course, on the stratigraphic dig. As a preliminary measure, non-invasive digs will take place and they will be run together with the Biologic, Geologic and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Food of the University of Molise. The investigations, which will include geo-radar perspectives and a geothermic-camera equipped drone, will be necessary to identify the areas to a stratigraphic archaeological dig.
