Belmonte project. Investigation and survey of the rock settlement of Belmonte

Belmonte Project. Reconnaissance and survey of the Belmonte rock settlement (Castelnuovo di Porto-RM).

Responsible for the research:

Salvatore De Vincenzo in codirectorship with Giancarlo Pastura

Start date: 2021

End date: Undefined

Brief description and objectives of the research:

In the context of the research conducted on the rock settlements of upper Latium, the site of Belmonte holds relevant importance because of its extension and the excellent degree of conservation of the rock structures. Here, applying the methods proposed by “Rock Archaeology,” it is planned to reconstruct the topography of the settlement in its different phases of life, which should be placed between the 8th and 12th centuries. The general objectives are as follows:

• Extensive reconnaissance in the area;
• GPS positioning and first filing of cavities and structures with initial study about their usability;
• Detailed survey of the most interesting cavities, with a selection also based on archaeological interest and state of preservation;
• Route proposal with identification of possible interventions for safety by a visiting public;
• Scientific publication;
• Outreach activities (conferences, seminars) agreed upon between the two institutions.

Possible collaborating entities and institutions:

Project in agreement with the Municipality of Castelnuovo di Porto and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria

Type of Funding and Call:

The project is funded by the Municipality of Castelnuovo di Porto (funding amount: €6,000 for the biennium 2021-2022).