Phd in PHD SCHOOL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Research: The Religious Practices of the Aequi in the Piana del Cavaliere: The Sanctuaries of Carsoli and Oricola (AQ). Continuity and Discontinuity between the Pre-Roman and Roman Contexts.

This doctoral project (Etruscology Curriculum) systematically investigates the sanctuary contexts of the Aequi at Carsoli and Oricola, focusing on continuities and discontinuities in religious and artisanal practices between the pre-Roman and Roman periods. Building on my master’s thesis, “The Aequan Sanctuary of Carsoli (AQ): The 1906 Discovery and the 1950–53 Cederna Investigations”, which cataloged and contextualized artifacts while reconstructing the historical dynamics of archaeological research using unpublished archival documents, this research expands the study of materials from Carsoli. The goal is to compile a comprehensive catalog following the model of the “Corpus delle Stipi Votive in Italia”.
The sanctuaries of Carsoli and Oricola present an exceptional case study, offering the opportunity to deconstruct and reconsider existing classification frameworks for votive deposits and sanctuaries in pre-Roman Italy. This research will critically reassess current theories regarding production models, circulation patterns of votive molds, and the typological and stylistic evolution of terracotta votive offerings. Additionally, it will analyze the role of “Romanization” in shaping the dissemination of central Italian terracotta votive practices between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE.
To achieve these objectives, the project will incorporate archaeometric analyses and interdisciplinary methodologies where applicable. Fieldwork will play a key role, with the aim of establishing and curating an Antiquarium for the studied materials. Furthermore, the project aims to engage local schools through educational and awareness-raising initiatives, fostering a stronger connection between the community and part of its historical heritage.