New archaeological fragments of objects used in imperial life and linked to cult rituals have appeared in the excavations carried out in the Sacred Zone of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome.

The discovery, following the recovery of two fragments of the Fasti Ostienses that came to light last year, occurred during a recent intervention aimed at the general redevelopment of the area for its upcoming reopening to the public, including the restoration of the temples and the channels that ensured rainwater drainage.

During the emptying of a well, located in front of the staircase of the Temple of Hercules, about 3 meters deep and still filled with water, a striking number of artifacts appeared, most of which can be dated between the late 1st and 2nd centuries AD, and are very well preserved due to being submerged in oxygen-poor mud.

The pit where the artifacts and the remains of ritual meals were found.
The pit where the artifacts and the remains of ritual meals were found. Credit: Ministero della Cultura

These include ceramics of various types, even miniature; oil lamps, fragments of glass containers, marble fragments, burnt animal bones, and peach stones, undoubtedly used in specific sacred rituals within the archaeological area.

The finding of burnt bones primarily confirms that animal sacrifices (pigs and cattle, without a doubt) were performed in the sanctuary, while common ceramics, which also show fire traces, indicate that meat was cooked and consumed during banquets in honor of the deity. The remains of one or more ritual meals were thrown into the pit, the last probably when its function had ceased.

Among the most significant artifacts found is an uncommon and incredibly modern carved wooden object, funnel- or chalice-shaped, whose function is still unclear. In addition to the funnel-shaped chalice, decorated with a series of light incisions and concentric circles inside (near the hole that runs through it), other finds with “interwoven” moldings and external ribs, suggesting reciprocal grafts, were recovered, collectively resembling a vaguely tube-like cylindrical element.

Another view of the strange funnel-shaped object.
Another view of the strange funnel-shaped object. Credit: Ministero della Cultura

The new finds were discovered in the Area Sacra, an important Ostian sanctuary built from the 3rd century BC near the spring called Aqua Salvia, along the ancient route of the so-called Via della Foce. Inside the complex, dominated by the mass of the Temple of Hercules and occupied by two other minor cult buildings like the temple of Asclepius and the Round Altar, priests predicted the outcome of military expeditions to generals about to depart for military campaigns. It was, therefore, an oracular cult.

The research activities at the site were coordinated by the scientific director of the project, Dario Daffara, while the exploration of the well and the excavation of the sediments were carried out by archaeologist Davide I. Pellandra and Mario Mazzoli.

Entrusted to the care of the Restoration Office of the Park, the woods are now under study and will shed new light on the furniture used in Roman sanctuaries of the imperial era.

Some of the recovered objects
Some of the recovered objects. Credit: Ministero della Cultura

Restoration work has proven to be a unique opportunity to study and deepen knowledge of the functions and activities that took place in the sanctuary: an important moment to conduct research in an area that, at the time of its discovery in the years 1938-40, produced sculptures identifiable with Ostia Antica and will be housed in the Ostian Museum, soon to reopen: the statue of Cartilius Poplicola, the bust of Asclepius, and the relief of the haruspex Fulvius Salvis with a scene of the “miraculous catch” of a statue of Hercules by Ostian fishermen.

Once again, research, in its various forms, proves to be a key element in combining the different needs related to the protection, enhancement, and enjoyment of cultural heritage, stated the Director General of the MiC Museums, Massimo Osanna.

The restoration project of the Sacred Area, developed by Studio Strati and led by the Park’s architect Valeria Casella, will soon allow the reopening of one of the oldest and most evocative complexes of Ostia to the public, allowing visitors to access the cell of the Temple of Hercules, hitherto closed. The pavements of the nearby Temple of the Ara Rotonda will also be relocated, whose roof is also being reconstructed, emphasized the Director of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, Alessandro D’Alessio.

Sources

Ministero della Cultura

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