Artifacts Assemblages and Settlers’ Identity: Case studies from the Contessa Entellina Survey (Augustean period – 7th century AD)

Abstract

From 1998 to 2005 the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa carried out a systematic archaeological survey in the territory of Contessa Entellina (PA, Sicily). A total area of 136.4 km2 was investigated (more than 114 km2 intensively) leading to the identification of over 280 archaeological sites and hundreds of off-site finds. Predictably, numerous sites revealed phases of Roman occupation, and thousands of sherds were collected, dating from the Roman conquest of Sicily to the Byzantine Age. The finds are still under examination and our overview of the Roman pottery cannot be considered exhaustive yet.