EXCAVATION PROJECTS HERCULANEUM GATE AREA

Nicolas Monteix (Centre Jean-Bérard)

APP (Archaeological Park of Pompeii) contact person Marialaura Iadanza

The project aims to investigate the articulation existing in the sector outside the Herculaneum Gate,
between the funeral area and the commercial and manufacturing locations, from a topographical and functional point of view. The workshops, as is the case of the Villa of the Mosaic Columns, are foun directly in an area which was previously occupied by the pre-Roman necropolis. Some of the tombs were located outside the portico, at the edge of the excavation area. This finding allows us to expand our knowledge of the site’s topography prior to the building of the portico as well as other important elements  that emerged during the excavation of the pavement. Remains of a more ancient street paved with large stones were found in two different spots, at a lower level compared to the current Via dei Sepolcri and with a slightly divergent orientation. In order to document the craft work, which has been confirmed by the  presence of a kiln in workshop 29, studies have focused on understanding when the manufacturing activity began, what was specifically produced, and how the space was organized. Close to the kiln, researchers found a layer of lapilli dating from the 79 A.D. eruption, which covered and protected about ten unfired vases. Other important details were unearthed during the excavation of workshop 20, located in the direction of the centre of the portico. The excavation made it possible to attest the existence of an atelier where metals, probably bronze and iron, were worked.