Country: Eritrea

Starting Date: 2011 - Completion Date: 2015

Project: Ce.R.D.O – Centro di Ricerca sul Deserto Orientale

Partner: Ce.R.D.O – Centro di Ricerca sul Deserto Orientale, Museo Civico di Rovereto, National Museum of Eritrea, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Archeologia Viva, Gruppo Piccini

Project Supervisor: Bigliardi Giulio

• Archaeological excavation

The five years project aims to study the history, the architectural phases and the spatial organisation of the town of Adulis. In order to reach this goal the area of the most significant masonry structures of the site will be excavated and will be carried out an accurate documentation of  the archaeological evidence. This documentation will include photogrammetrical analysis and laser-scanning survey of structures. In order to understand the spatial development of the site will be conducted geophysical survey as well as geological analysis for the collection of environmental data . The project will also include a program of conservation of the excavated masonry structures. The results of the archaeological research will be disseminated through web, television broadcasting, documentaries, magazines and scientific publications. The archaeological site will be enhanced and opened also for tourism.

 

Results of 2011 field-work

During the 2011 field-work were been carried out the following activities:

1) Topographic survey and elaboration of a map of the archaeological site with Leica total laser station; the setting of a reference grid for the site; GPS topographic survey; location and mapping of some of the areas corresponding to the trenches excavated in the past by the scholars which were previously investigating the site.

2) Excavation of a significant masonry structure, in order to document and study a public building, its architectural phases, technique and history.

3) Excavation of two test trenches (SW and SE sectors of the town) aimed at collecting evidences about the stratigraphic sequence of the site, with collection of finds and documentation of all archaeological features.

4) Preliminary documentation and analysis of finds in the camp-lab; study of the finds in dedicated labs after the end of the fieldwork, as post-excavation activity.