Description
Book SynopsisThis volume investigates the interaction between the natural environment, market forces and political entities in an ancient Sicilian town and its surrounding micro-region over the time-span of a thousand years. Focusing on the ancient polis of Kale Akte (Caronia) and the surrounding Nebrodi area on the north coast of Sicily, the book examines the city’s archaeology and history from a broad geographical and cultural viewpoint, suggesting that Kale Akte may have had a greater economic importance for Sicily and the wider Mediterranean world than its size and lowly political status would suggest. Also discussed is the gradual population shift away from the hill-top down to a growing harbour settlement at Caronia Marina, at the foot of the rock.
The book is particularly important for the comprehensive analysis of the 1999–2004 excavations at the latter, with fresh interpretations of the function of the buildings excavated and their chronology, as well for reviewing the present state of our knowledge about Kale Acte/Calacte, and defining research questions for the future. The archaeological material at the heart of this study comes from excavations at the site conducted by the author. It is one of the few detailed publications from Sicily of Hellenistic and Roman amphora material.
The conclusions about changing trends of commercial production and exchange will be of interest to those working on ceramic material elsewhere in Sicily and indeed further afield. The study also offers a fresh perspective of the economic history of ancient Sicily. The origins of Kale Akte and its alleged foundation by the exiled Sikel leader, Ducetius, in the fifth century BC, are also discussed in the light of the latest archaeological discoveries. An Italian summary of each chapter is also included.
Table of ContentsList of contents
Chapter 1 The Settlements
Chapter 2 The territory: resources and communications
Chapter 3 Archaeological research at Caronia and Caronia Marina
Chapter 4 The material evidence
Chapter 5 Production and supply at Kale Akte and in Sicily
Chapter 6 Trade and production mechanisms ay Kale Akte and on the South Tyrrhenian
Chapter 7 From trading post to rural village
Appendix 1 Methodological problems and quantification of finds
Appendix 2 Amphorae from Caronia and Caronia Marina: thin section analysis
Catalogue of finds Catalogue of fabrics Notes Bibliography Index
