Archaeological research at Velia 1998

The focus of interest of this year`s archaeological campaign in Velia is once again the research on the fortifications of the Greek colony in the area of the lower city as well as problems concerning the harbour. These problems have arisen through the shifting of the coast line, the enormous heightening of the level and a change in the urban concept. Based on research done in the seventies and the findings of last year`s campaign a final examination should clarify the different phases of the construction works on the lower city`s fortification. An evaluation of the rich finds and their exact chronological classification should support these investigations. Furthermore the detailed recording of the walls B and E and the towers` belonging to them is planned. By means of geological drillings, which are completed by geophysical examinations (among others Georadar), it should be possible to determine the yet unknown course of the city wail in the western part of Velia and its relation to the ancient harbour basin, which is believed to have been in this area. A whole string of research projects in the scope of the research-grant should be prepared for publication in 1998. The first consideration will be the fortification walls. Another project concerns the Roman bath in the Vignale, which is being worked on in the course of a dissertation. This bath is of special interest as a number of small rooms and individual bathrooms point to an individual "health business". For this project further examinations and complementary recordings are planned. Concerning the ceramic research in Velia, the development of a classification for Classic and Hellenistic black glazed wares, especially for the forth century BC, will be completed. Works on early Roman pottery should analyse the importance of the cultural meaning of Velia in this period and give information about the changes in the life of the city at the time of transition from a Greek polis to a Roman municipium.