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Archaeological area of Coriglia
Podcast by eArs
Archaeological area of Coriglia
Narrator: What does a traveller want? Today as in the past, a place to rest after a long journey.Imagine being a wealthy dignitary of the Roman Empire. For hours you have been following the route of the Via Cassia or the Traiana Nova, travelling between the towns of Bolsena and Chiusi. At one point, in the distance, you finally see a mansio, a roadside station: you have just reached Coriglia!
The archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who is in charge of the excavations, will go on with the story.
Silvia Simonetti: Coriglia was the perfect place to stop and rest. In fact, starting from the late Republican period - between the 2nd and 1st century B.C.E. - the mansio was built on an artificial terrace that overlooked a bight of the Paglia river. Prior to this, the Etruscans had built a rural sanctuary in the same area, which was possibly dedicated to underground deities connected with water. In this area, due to the presence of both the river and the thermal springs, which are still very active and not far from the site, water has always played a leading role over the centuries. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the settlement presents traces of visitors that cover a very long period of time, ranging from the end of the 8th century B.C.E. - the time of the Etruscans - up to the Middle Ages.
N: However, staying in this mansio was not for everyone, it was actually an exclusive pleasure.
SS: Yes, because travellers had to pay in order to be hosted, but the service was really comprehensive. While skilled craftsmen took care of horses and chariots, the sutlers descended into the underground storerooms to get wine and food. Consequently, the wealthy guests only needed to reach the pools and enjoy the benefits of sulphurous waters. It is possible that in the haste of diving, one of the guests might have slipped a small treasure off his finger, which was recently found. A rare bronze ring with the inscription 'Rome', datable to the 2nd century C.E., which probably belonged to an eminent figure of the imperial circle. In addition to this, more than 300 coins were found at the entrance of the place. These numismatic finds prove that the mansio was active over a period of time that covers much of Rome's history, ranging from the late republic to the mid-4th century C.E.
N: It is well known that the Romans were particularly pleasure-seeking and loved relaxation and personal care, but today's public should not expect to find an ancient spa when visiting Coriglia!After the excavation work, it is quite difficult to identify the different historical phases. The traces of the Etruscan period, for example, are more difficult to interpret, while the Roman vestiges can be recognised more easily. Thanks to Tiber Pallia Immersive Discoveries, technology comes to the aid of the visitors, so that they can immerse themselves - not in the thermal baths - but in the virtual reconstruction of our mansio, also with a chance to understand the experience of travelling in the Roman age.
At the end of the 4th century, when the route of the Traiana Nova lost its importance, also the mansio closed its doors. What happened next?
SS: Once again, it was water that brought life to this place, which at the time returned to be populated thanks to new production activities. As a matter fact, the first kiln in the area of Castel Viscardo was established here, a place that still today represents an excellence in the production of cotto bricks.
N: Water and... fire!
N: You have listened to Tiber Pallia Stories, a podcast created by Italy’s National Strategy for Inner Areas - South West Orvieto Area. The podcast was produced by Capitale Cultura Group and Artglass.Texts, voice-over, music, and post-production were designed and produced by eArs.
We would like to thank the Umbria Region, the Municipality of Castel Viscardo and archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who joined us for this episode.To learn more about the ancient history of this territory, we encourage you to visit the archaeological sites of the Orvieto-Amerino area and listen to the other episodes of this podcast. See you soon!
Archaeological area of Coriglia
Narrator: What does a traveller want? Today as in the past, a place to rest after a long journey.Imagine being a wealthy dignitary of the Roman Empire. For hours you have been following the route of the Via Cassia or the Traiana Nova, travelling between the towns of Bolsena and Chiusi. At one point, in the distance, you finally see a mansio, a roadside station: you have just reached Coriglia!
The archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who is in charge of the excavations, will go on with the story.
Silvia Simonetti: Coriglia was the perfect place to stop and rest. In fact, starting from the late Republican period - between the 2nd and 1st century B.C.E. - the mansio was built on an artificial terrace that overlooked a bight of the Paglia river. Prior to this, the Etruscans had built a rural sanctuary in the same area, which was possibly dedicated to underground deities connected with water. In this area, due to the presence of both the river and the thermal springs, which are still very active and not far from the site, water has always played a leading role over the centuries. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the settlement presents traces of visitors that cover a very long period of time, ranging from the end of the 8th century B.C.E. - the time of the Etruscans - up to the Middle Ages.
N: However, staying in this mansio was not for everyone, it was actually an exclusive pleasure.
SS: Yes, because travellers had to pay in order to be hosted, but the service was really comprehensive. While skilled craftsmen took care of horses and chariots, the sutlers descended into the underground storerooms to get wine and food. Consequently, the wealthy guests only needed to reach the pools and enjoy the benefits of sulphurous waters. It is possible that in the haste of diving, one of the guests might have slipped a small treasure off his finger, which was recently found. A rare bronze ring with the inscription 'Rome', datable to the 2nd century C.E., which probably belonged to an eminent figure of the imperial circle. In addition to this, more than 300 coins were found at the entrance of the place. These numismatic finds prove that the mansio was active over a period of time that covers much of Rome's history, ranging from the late republic to the mid-4th century C.E.
N: It is well known that the Romans were particularly pleasure-seeking and loved relaxation and personal care, but today's public should not expect to find an ancient spa when visiting Coriglia!After the excavation work, it is quite difficult to identify the different historical phases. The traces of the Etruscan period, for example, are more difficult to interpret, while the Roman vestiges can be recognised more easily. Thanks to Tiber Pallia Immersive Discoveries, technology comes to the aid of the visitors, so that they can immerse themselves - not in the thermal baths - but in the virtual reconstruction of our mansio, also with a chance to understand the experience of travelling in the Roman age.
At the end of the 4th century, when the route of the Traiana Nova lost its importance, also the mansio closed its doors. What happened next?
SS: Once again, it was water that brought life to this place, which at the time returned to be populated thanks to new production activities. As a matter fact, the first kiln in the area of Castel Viscardo was established here, a place that still today represents an excellence in the production of cotto bricks.
N: Water and... fire!
N: You have listened to Tiber Pallia Stories, a podcast created by Italy’s National Strategy for Inner Areas - South West Orvieto Area. The podcast was produced by Capitale Cultura Group and Artglass.Texts, voice-over, music, and post-production were designed and produced by eArs.
We would like to thank the Umbria Region, the Municipality of Castel Viscardo and archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who joined us for this episode.To learn more about the ancient history of this territory, we encourage you to visit the archaeological sites of the Orvieto-Amerino area and listen to the other episodes of this podcast. See you soon!
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By eArsPodcast by eArs
Archaeological area of Coriglia
Narrator: What does a traveller want? Today as in the past, a place to rest after a long journey.Imagine being a wealthy dignitary of the Roman Empire. For hours you have been following the route of the Via Cassia or the Traiana Nova, travelling between the towns of Bolsena and Chiusi. At one point, in the distance, you finally see a mansio, a roadside station: you have just reached Coriglia!
The archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who is in charge of the excavations, will go on with the story.
Silvia Simonetti: Coriglia was the perfect place to stop and rest. In fact, starting from the late Republican period - between the 2nd and 1st century B.C.E. - the mansio was built on an artificial terrace that overlooked a bight of the Paglia river. Prior to this, the Etruscans had built a rural sanctuary in the same area, which was possibly dedicated to underground deities connected with water. In this area, due to the presence of both the river and the thermal springs, which are still very active and not far from the site, water has always played a leading role over the centuries. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the settlement presents traces of visitors that cover a very long period of time, ranging from the end of the 8th century B.C.E. - the time of the Etruscans - up to the Middle Ages.
N: However, staying in this mansio was not for everyone, it was actually an exclusive pleasure.
SS: Yes, because travellers had to pay in order to be hosted, but the service was really comprehensive. While skilled craftsmen took care of horses and chariots, the sutlers descended into the underground storerooms to get wine and food. Consequently, the wealthy guests only needed to reach the pools and enjoy the benefits of sulphurous waters. It is possible that in the haste of diving, one of the guests might have slipped a small treasure off his finger, which was recently found. A rare bronze ring with the inscription 'Rome', datable to the 2nd century C.E., which probably belonged to an eminent figure of the imperial circle. In addition to this, more than 300 coins were found at the entrance of the place. These numismatic finds prove that the mansio was active over a period of time that covers much of Rome's history, ranging from the late republic to the mid-4th century C.E.
N: It is well known that the Romans were particularly pleasure-seeking and loved relaxation and personal care, but today's public should not expect to find an ancient spa when visiting Coriglia!After the excavation work, it is quite difficult to identify the different historical phases. The traces of the Etruscan period, for example, are more difficult to interpret, while the Roman vestiges can be recognised more easily. Thanks to Tiber Pallia Immersive Discoveries, technology comes to the aid of the visitors, so that they can immerse themselves - not in the thermal baths - but in the virtual reconstruction of our mansio, also with a chance to understand the experience of travelling in the Roman age.
At the end of the 4th century, when the route of the Traiana Nova lost its importance, also the mansio closed its doors. What happened next?
SS: Once again, it was water that brought life to this place, which at the time returned to be populated thanks to new production activities. As a matter fact, the first kiln in the area of Castel Viscardo was established here, a place that still today represents an excellence in the production of cotto bricks.
N: Water and... fire!
N: You have listened to Tiber Pallia Stories, a podcast created by Italy’s National Strategy for Inner Areas - South West Orvieto Area. The podcast was produced by Capitale Cultura Group and Artglass.Texts, voice-over, music, and post-production were designed and produced by eArs.
We would like to thank the Umbria Region, the Municipality of Castel Viscardo and archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who joined us for this episode.To learn more about the ancient history of this territory, we encourage you to visit the archaeological sites of the Orvieto-Amerino area and listen to the other episodes of this podcast. See you soon!
Archaeological area of Coriglia
Narrator: What does a traveller want? Today as in the past, a place to rest after a long journey.Imagine being a wealthy dignitary of the Roman Empire. For hours you have been following the route of the Via Cassia or the Traiana Nova, travelling between the towns of Bolsena and Chiusi. At one point, in the distance, you finally see a mansio, a roadside station: you have just reached Coriglia!
The archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who is in charge of the excavations, will go on with the story.
Silvia Simonetti: Coriglia was the perfect place to stop and rest. In fact, starting from the late Republican period - between the 2nd and 1st century B.C.E. - the mansio was built on an artificial terrace that overlooked a bight of the Paglia river. Prior to this, the Etruscans had built a rural sanctuary in the same area, which was possibly dedicated to underground deities connected with water. In this area, due to the presence of both the river and the thermal springs, which are still very active and not far from the site, water has always played a leading role over the centuries. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the settlement presents traces of visitors that cover a very long period of time, ranging from the end of the 8th century B.C.E. - the time of the Etruscans - up to the Middle Ages.
N: However, staying in this mansio was not for everyone, it was actually an exclusive pleasure.
SS: Yes, because travellers had to pay in order to be hosted, but the service was really comprehensive. While skilled craftsmen took care of horses and chariots, the sutlers descended into the underground storerooms to get wine and food. Consequently, the wealthy guests only needed to reach the pools and enjoy the benefits of sulphurous waters. It is possible that in the haste of diving, one of the guests might have slipped a small treasure off his finger, which was recently found. A rare bronze ring with the inscription 'Rome', datable to the 2nd century C.E., which probably belonged to an eminent figure of the imperial circle. In addition to this, more than 300 coins were found at the entrance of the place. These numismatic finds prove that the mansio was active over a period of time that covers much of Rome's history, ranging from the late republic to the mid-4th century C.E.
N: It is well known that the Romans were particularly pleasure-seeking and loved relaxation and personal care, but today's public should not expect to find an ancient spa when visiting Coriglia!After the excavation work, it is quite difficult to identify the different historical phases. The traces of the Etruscan period, for example, are more difficult to interpret, while the Roman vestiges can be recognised more easily. Thanks to Tiber Pallia Immersive Discoveries, technology comes to the aid of the visitors, so that they can immerse themselves - not in the thermal baths - but in the virtual reconstruction of our mansio, also with a chance to understand the experience of travelling in the Roman age.
At the end of the 4th century, when the route of the Traiana Nova lost its importance, also the mansio closed its doors. What happened next?
SS: Once again, it was water that brought life to this place, which at the time returned to be populated thanks to new production activities. As a matter fact, the first kiln in the area of Castel Viscardo was established here, a place that still today represents an excellence in the production of cotto bricks.
N: Water and... fire!
N: You have listened to Tiber Pallia Stories, a podcast created by Italy’s National Strategy for Inner Areas - South West Orvieto Area. The podcast was produced by Capitale Cultura Group and Artglass.Texts, voice-over, music, and post-production were designed and produced by eArs.
We would like to thank the Umbria Region, the Municipality of Castel Viscardo and archaeologist Silvia Simonetti, who joined us for this episode.To learn more about the ancient history of this territory, we encourage you to visit the archaeological sites of the Orvieto-Amerino area and listen to the other episodes of this podcast. See you soon!