Articles by Gianfranco Morelli

The paper presents the initial results of a recent project focused on one of the necropolises, known as ‘I Pini’, related to the pre-Roman settlement of Numana/Sirolo (Ancona, Marche Region). Specifically, it focuses on the re-contextualization of archival data from excavations carried out in the last century and on the integration of various geophysical survey methods, implemented with a synergistic approach both within and outside the now-musealized archaeological area. These operations, aimed at resuming archaeological investigations of the necropolis and achieving a more precise topographical framework, have shed new light on the context, revealing new information regarding previous investigations and contributing to the definition of a more targeted excavation strategy. The extension of non-invasive surveys beyond the area already subject to excavation has also revealed new significant archaeological features pertaining to the necropolis itself, redefining its boundaries and providing new insights into its internal layout.

The paper presents and discusses results from the integration of various methods of geophysical prospection on the plateau between the Via Appia and the Via Ardeatina on the ancient suburb of Rome. The use of large-scale magnetometry, georadar and electromagnetic survey in an area of particularly dense archaeological remains is a highly effective methodology for revealing important information on previously unknown archaeological features. Of particular interest in this case is the comparison between geophysical data and the results of previous excavations, and newly-targeted test investigations that suggest the survival of the documented but previously undiscovered basilica of Pope Damasus as well as unknown catacomb tunnels at San Callisto and elsewhere on the plateau.