The development of modern infrastructure not only transforms the present but also allows for the rediscovery of the past. This has been demonstrated by the recent archaeological findings recorded during the excavations for the construction of the new high-speed and high-capacity (AV/AC) Naples-Bari railway line. These discoveries, which have emerged at various points along the route, have provided valuable insights into the history of the region, from the Copper Age to the Roman era.
One of the most significant findings is that of an ancient Copper Age settlement in the locality of Gaudello, where remains of dwellings and objects have been uncovered, offering a deeper understanding of the daily life of its inhabitants. Additionally, in the municipality of Maddaloni, a well-preserved section of the ancient Appian Way has been unearthed. This was one of the most important routes of the Roman Empire, used for centuries to connect Rome with southern Italy.
Another highly relevant discovery is that of a Hellenistic-Roman sanctuary in the locality of Ponte. This site, rich in votive offerings, provides evidence of the religious practices of the populations that inhabited the area more than two thousand years ago. In Solopaca, excavations have revealed a complete Roman villa, offering an exceptional insight into the architecture and agricultural economy of the time, as it was surrounded by land dedicated to the production of wine and olive oil.
These and other findings were presented at the Naples Afragola station during a conference organized by the Italian Railway Network (RFI), with the participation of archaeology experts and representatives from cultural and infrastructure organizations.
Among the speakers were Mariano Di Maio, head of Environment and Territory at RFI, and Mariano Nuzzo, superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the metropolitan area of Naples and the provinces of Caserta and Benevento. Several specialists who have closely followed the excavations, such as Luca Di Franco, Andrea Martelli, and Antonella Tomeo, also spoke at the event.
Superintendent Nuzzo highlighted the importance of these discoveries, which not only enrich knowledge of the past but also strengthen the region’s cultural identity. In his statements, he emphasized that the construction of new infrastructure has provided an opportunity to uncover essential fragments of history, some of which fill chronological gaps and open new lines of research into the occupation of the territory over the centuries.
Among the most intriguing elements are the remains of settlements and necropolises dating from the late Copper Age to the early Bronze Age in Gaudello, where huts and burials in excellent condition have been found.
Likewise, the section of the Appian Way identified in Maddaloni, with pit tombs and different types of burials, provides key information about the funerary practices of the time, which included both inhumation and cremation.
These discoveries have been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of archaeologists, historians, and cultural heritage specialists, who have dedicated years of work to identifying and studying these remains. To make this valuable heritage accessible, several exhibitions have been planned, the first of which is scheduled for late February at the Benevento Operational Center.
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