AHRC-funded archaeologists from the University of Southampton leading a major excavation of Portus, the ancient port of Rome, have uncovered the remains of an amphitheatre-shaped-building, solving a mystery which has puzzled experts for over 140 years.

The excavation team, working in collaboration with the British School at Rome, is conducting the first ever large-scale dig at Portus on the banks of a hexagonal shaped man-made lake which formed the 2nd century harbour, near the Italian capital.

"When the site was visited by archaeologist Rodolfo Lanciani in the 1860s he marked on his plans the remains of a theatre, but subsequently no trace of the building could be found," says Portus Project Director and leading expert in Roman Archaeology at the University of Southampton, Professor Simon Keay.

"Our team has rediscovered this 'theatre' and proved it was in fact a building more akin to an amphitheatre.  Lanciani had only found half of the structure, leading him to misinterpret its shape and function."

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, experts from Southampton have been working with colleagues from the BSR, The Italian Archaeological Superintendency for Ostia and the University of Cambridge, to carry out extensive excavation at Portus.  They have uncovered a large Roman warehouse, the 'amphitheatre' and what the team have identified as an Imperial palace.  This is likely to have played host to renowned emperors such as Hadrian.

Portus was Rome's gateway to the Mediterranean for most of the Imperial period and played a key role in funnelling food, slaves, wild animals, marble and all manner of luxury goods from across the Mediterranean and beyond to the citizens of Rome.  It was vital to the survival of the Empire and the only real 'transport hub' serving the city.

"The 'amphitheatre' we have discovered was similar in ground area to the Pantheon in Rome, but it is unclear exactly what it was used for," continues Professor Keay.

"Gladiatorial combat may have taken place there - wild beast baiting, the staging of mock sea battles, or it may have been a form of Roman 'folly', shaped like an amphitheatre, but used as a monumental garden.  It is unusual to find this type of building so close to a harbour."

Having solved one riddle, archaeologists have now uncovered another; the white marble head of a statue unearthed at the site of once-luxurious rooms close to the 'amphitheatre'.  It is thought the head dates back to the 2nd or early 3rd century, however it is less clear who it depicts.

"The elderly bearded male wearing a flat skull-cap could suggest it is Ulysses, however it is equally possible it is a representation of one of the Greek sailors who accompanied him on his travels.  For the moment his identity remains a mystery," concludes Professor Keay.
 
Part of the 'Portus Project' involves the work of the University of Southampton's Archaeological Computing Research Group.  They are producing computer generated images which bring the port to life and provide archaeologists with a valuable 'tool' with which to explore the site.  The University of Southampton and the BSR are jointly using ground-penetrating radar and other techniques to map buried buildings and other structures.  The Portus Project has also been undertaking a geophysical survey of the Isola Sacra, an island to the south of Portus, and has found a major new canal and traces of Rome's marble yards. 

Research has been underway at Portus for several years and Professor Keay hopes to continue working there. "This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world," he says.

"Certainly it should be rated alongside such wonders as Stonehenge and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.  So much of this Imperial port has been preserved and there is much more to learn about its role in supplying Rome and in the broader economic development of the Roman Mediterranean."

Ends

Attached image:  Marble head of statue is unearthed close to remains of an amphitheatre discovered by University of Southampton archaeologists.
(higher res image available)

Notes for editors

 1.)Arts and Humanities Research Council: Each year the AHRC provides approximately £102 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK. www.ahrc.ac.uk

2) For copies of still and moving computer graphics, photos of the white marble head, photos and video footage of the site, or to arrange interviews, please contact Peter Franklin, Media Relations Officer, University of Southampton                         Tel:  023 8059 5457  07748 321087  Email:  p.franklin@soton.ac.uk 

3) Professor Simon Keay will present a lecture 'The Re-Discovery of the Imperial Palace at Portus, the port of Ancient Rome' at the Turner Sims Concert Hall, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton at 6pm, 21 October 2009

4) The School of Humanities is one of the largest Schools in the University of Southampton with almost 3,000 students. The School has many exciting interdisciplinary activities across its seven discipline areas and is home to several specialist research centres. In addition, the School recently confirmed its reputation for excellence in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

 5) The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship across a wide range of subjects in engineering, science, social sciences, health and humanities.  

With over 22,000 students, around 5000 staff, and an annual turnover of more than £370 million, the University of Southampton is acknowledged as one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine. We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.

The University is also home to a number of world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Web Science Research Initiative, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease and the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute.
www.soton.ac.uk

6) The British School at Rome is a centre for research on the archaeology, history, and culture of Italy, and for contemporary art and architecture. It serves the needs of scholars and fine artists from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The BSR is one of the research institutes sponsored by the British Academy, and is one of a large group of international academies in Rome.  Its history dates from 1901, when it was founded as a 'school' for research in archaeology and Italian studies.  www.bsr.ac.uk

7) The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences.  Its purpose is to inspire, recognise and support excellence and high achievement in the humanities and social sciences, throughout the UK and internationally, and to champion their role and value.  The Academy is the sponsor and principal funder of the British School at Rome. 
Professor Michael Fulford FBA, Vice-President of the British Academy said, "This is an exciting project which is making a very important contribution to our understanding of the great harbour complex of Portus which controlled the movement of foodstuffs and every conceivable kind of traded goods into Rome, the imperial capital.  We are looking forward with great interest to the progress of the work."  www.britac.ac.uk

8) The University of Cambridge has long been a major centre for the study of the classical world.  Today its Faculty is recognised internationally as one of the most dynamic departments of its kind, with an exceptionally distinguished record in teaching and research.  Its work covers literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology, linguistics, philology and a wider range of interdisciplinary studies. Further information and a comprehensive list of staff and resources can be found at: www.classics.cam.ac.uk