The stretch of coast at Belvedere-Ariscianne is well known as an area where archaeological material is frequently washed ashore: worked stone and lithics, animal bones, pottery, metal, coins, tiles etc ranging in date from the late Paleolithic to medieval period.
Paleo-environmental research has reconstructed the pre-existing lagoonal environment which was an important area for Neolithic comunities. With the aim of getting the study and re-development of this area underway, a geomorphological study is to be undertaken by the University of Bari, as part of the “Progetto integrato di recupero storico-ambientale, ricerca e fruizione dell’area costiera in località Belvedere Ariscianne del Comune di Barletta”.
Nine trenches were excavated which uncovered a complex system of drainage channels, leading from inland towards the coast, perhaps in correspondance with a lagoonal area. The channels can be dated to between the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century A.D. and provide evidence for the existence of an extra-urban settlement. It is probable that a square tower (its foundations are underwater) situated further south also formed part of this settlement.
The post-holes that came to light are of much earlier date and can be attributed to a Bronze Age settlement (II millenium B.C.), of which no other evidence has been found to date.
In conjunction with the excavations an underwater survey was begun. Its aim is to produce an archaeological map of the sea-bed, in particular with regard to the possible existence of the underwater palethnological deposits, which may have produced the large quantity of lithics and pottery found on the beaches. Several areas with spreads of lithic artefacts have been identified at a depth of between 2 – 7m, along with a peat deposit which indicates the presence of an ancient lagoon. Two wrecks of Roman date have also been identified in deep water, still quite well preserved despite the continued activity of clandestine divers. (Francesca Radina)