Phd in PHD SCHOOL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Thesis title: Ville marittime e paesaggi costieri dell’Italia centrale tirrenica tra la tarda età repubblicana e il tardo impero

This research aims to systematically analyze Roman maritime villas, focusing on their evolutionary phases, typological classification, and possible architectural models of reference. The study begins with a review of past research on these buildings, highlighting how different interpretations and methodologies have emerged over time. In particular, it has become necessary to reconsider the concept of villa maritima, questioning its homogeneity and exploring the relationship between these residences and the coastal landscape. The approach adopted combines stratigraphic analysis with architectural study, allowing for the reconstruction of each complex’s evolution and distinguishing between documented structures and hypothetical reconstructions. By examining numerous case studies, recurring planimetric schemes have been identified, leading to a proposed typology that accounts for functional and stylistic variations. Special attention has also been given to the influence of Hellenistic models on the design of these residences, highlighting the connections between Roman architecture and Mediterranean traditions. The analysis provides a new interpretative framework for understanding the phenomenon of maritime villas, moving beyond traditional classifications and shedding light on the mechanisms of adaptation and transformation over time.