 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
Preview first page |
Document Details : Title: The Forum of Aesernia Subtitle: A Development Sketch Author(s): UYTTERHOEVEN, Inge Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 29 Date: 1998-1999 Pages: 241-266 DOI: 10.2143/AS.29.0.630059 Abstract : In the central-south of the Italian Apennines, on the same spot as present-day Isernia (Molise), a centre with a remarkable topographical position was situated in the Roman period: Aesernia. According to the literary sources the Roman history of this town began in 263 BC with the foundation of a colonia Latina on an elongated ridge (900m long; 442m above sea level in the north-east; 397 in the south-west) bordered by the Cardo and Sordo rivers. Because of the strategic character of the location, however, the pre-existence of a Samnite centre on the same spot may be presumed. During the Roman period the topographical factor remained prominent in the history and the development of Aesernia. Thus the centre was chosen as the third capital of the Italians during the Social War (89 BC)4, after which it suffered terribly from reprisals by Sulla5. In spite of this the city was rebuilt and further developed from the second half of the first century BC on. |
|
