Monte Vairano
The Samnite Fortification and Settlement Busso (CB), Molise, Italy | |
Monte Vairano has the most extensive circuit of fortification walls in Pentrian Samnium (2.9 km), enclosing some 49 hectares, but its ancient name cannot be ascertained with certainty. The walls, which date to the late 4th century BCE, contain three gates: the Porta Vittoria or Victory Gate, the Porta Meridionale or South Gate, and the Porta Occidentale or West Gate. Just inside the South Gate, along a 4 meter-wide street, has been excavated a structure of uncertain purpose. Dated to the 2nd century BCE, it contained various pieces of pottery inscribed with the letters "LN" in the Oscan alphabet, and it has therefore become known as the casa di LN or "'LN' House." This structure was destroyed by fire early in the 1st century BCE. Two extramural kilns have thus far been discovered, while a third was found to have been built into the Porta Vittoria at some point in the third century BCE. Selected Bibliography:
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Page created and maintained by Dan Diffendale. Last updated April 27, 2007. |