ATINA

Location: Atina, Lazio (Italy) — 41.6206 N, 13.7971 E

Dating: 8th-5th centuries BC

Characteristics: Relatively recent excavations have revealed a particularly impressive stretch of polygonal walls in the ancient city. Known as one of the “Saturnian” cities, Atina originally had an impressive defensive circuit of large polygonal blocks surrounding the acropolis and surrounding hills. Small sections of this ancient wall can also be seen along a walking path of the hilltop. Another notable feature of Atina is the cistern found in the city’s main square during excavations in 2006. Found close to 3 meters below ground, the cistern preserves its original circular structure made of precise polygonal blocks.

Polygonal classification: Type II (Lugli)

Attribution: The site is often attributed to pre-Roman peoples.

Specific points to see:

• Via Sferracavallo
• Percorso delle mura poligonali
• Via S. Nicola