The amphora discovered, filled with the remains of small fishes. Credit: Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi / Fiziade Project
A fascinating archaeological discovery has come to light during the current excavation works at Monte Sant’Angelo in Licata (the ancient Greek city of Finziade), Sicily. Researchers have uncovered a large amphora containing a significant quantity of remains of small fish, offering new and valuable insights into the dietary habits of Finziade’s ancient inhabitants.
This discovery, exceptional for both the quantity of remains found and their state of preservation, will be studied in detail by paleobotanist Erika Zane and archaeozoologist Ester Vaga, who aim to answer key questions about daily life in this ancient city.
The discovery occurred in one of the dwellings within the excavation area at Monte Sant’Angelo. Inside the large amphora, the fish remains were found in a condition that will allow experts to conduct thorough analyses.
View of the site where the amphora was found. Credit: Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi / Fiziade Project
This type of find is uncommon, underscoring the archaeological site’s importance as a window into the past. According to archaeologists, this evidence could shed light not only on the diet of the ancient inhabitants but also on their food preservation and storage practices, which are essential for understanding the social and economic dynamics of Finziade.
The excavation works, initiated in 2023, are part of the Finziade Project – Monte Sant’Angelo of Licata, an initiative led by archaeologists Alessio Toscano and Maria Concetta Parello.
This project is supported by the Parco Archeologico della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento, directed by Roberto Sciarratta, in collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR) in Catania.
Large quantity of small fish remains found inside the amphora. Credit: Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi / Fiziade Project
The joint effort aims to explore and preserve the archaeological heritage of the region, with a particular focus on Finziade, a city of Hellenistic origin and the last Greek colony founded on the island of Sicily.
Rosario Callea, responsible for logistical coordination, has highlighted the significance of this discovery within the framework of ongoing research.
As experts continue to analyze the remains, interest in the findings grows.
Some of the remains of small fishes, seen under the microscope. Credit: Parco Archeologico e Paesaggistico della Valle dei Templi / Fiziade Project
The information obtained promises to expand understanding of Finziade, a city primarily known for its Hellenistic heritage yet still a hidden treasure filled with mysteries.
A study led by the University of Cambridge has revealed that a series of extreme droughts between the years 364 and 366 AD may have been a determining factor in…
A team of astronomers led by the University of Cambridge has detected the chemical fingerprints of possible signs of life on a planet outside the solar system. Using data from…
For the first time, an archaeological investigation has conclusively documented the existence of a brückenkopfkastell—a Roman auxiliary outpost castle erected at a strategic river crossing point—on Austrian soil. The discovery,…
A recent study led by the University of Michigan suggests that Homo sapiens who inhabited Europe around 41,000 years ago may have survived a period of intense solar radiation thanks…
The history of colors is intertwined with the evolution of humanity, reflecting scientific advances, cultural conquests, and historical moments that have left an indelible mark on our perception of the…
For millennia, fire has been considered an essential element for human survival: it not only provided warmth in hostile climates but also enabled food cooking, tool-making, and even served as…
At the top of the archaeological site of Creuzier-le-Neuf, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a team from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) has uncovered an extensive necropolis dated…
An international team of researchers has succeeded in identifying and analyzing dozens of medieval graffiti in one of Christianity’s holiest sites, the Cenacle of Jerusalem, the place where tradition says…
In the mountains of eastern Anatolia, during the Iron Age between the 9th and 6th centuries BC, a kingdom arose that challenged one of the greatest powers of its time:…
Military alliances are interstate political agreements signed to achieve common defense. They have existed since Antiquity (remember, for instance, the leagues formed by the Greek city-states), and although their most…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.