Roman and prehistoric settlement found in northern Italy

Published on December 14th, 2012 | by Sevaan Franks

Researchers from the University of Kentucky have found a Roman settlement in northern Italy, and evidence of a prehistoric site beneath it.

Many years ago, archaeologist and art historian Paolo Visonà, a native of northern Italy and adjunct associate professor of art history in the UK School of Art and Visual Studies at the UK College of Fine Arts, first learned of a possible ancient settlement from a farmer in Valbruna, near the village of Tezze di Arzignano. While working his family’s land, Battista Carlotto had discovered artifacts that looked to Visonà like ceramics, mosaic, and glass of the Roman Empire.

Curiosity of what lay beneath the farmland was peaked in both gentlemen. With the approval of Carlotto and with little time to waste because of growing development in the area, Visonà began to research historical accounts of the region. Manuscripts found in Vicenza’s Bertoliana Library confirmed Visonà’s suspicion; in the late 18th century witnesses had shared accounts of seeing a Roman city’s remains in the vicinity.

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Story: The Lane Report | Photo: The Lane Report

Tags: Italy, Prehistoric, Romans, Settlements