CASSINO

Location: Cassino, Lazio (Italy) — 41.4895 N, 13.8116 E

Dating: Uncertain (pre-Roman Iron Age)

Characteristics: The Montecassino area shows evidence of megalithic and polygonal walls along the road leading to the modern abbey (approximately 200 meters) and in various archaeological photos and surveys below the abbey’s foundations. The most famous section of polygonal wall is made of massive multi-angled blocks fitted with moderate to high quality joinery. Below the abbey itself, more sections of even more precisely fitted polygonal stonework can be seen. One section of polygonal wall in particular, found below the Roman foundations, preserves a ninety degree turn in the wall and a beveled edge. This feature of polygonal walls is found across the Mediterranean but most commonly in Greece and Turkey.

Polygonal classification: Type II (Lugli)

Attribution: It is most often attributed to pre-Roman Italic peoples but the exact group is still debated.

Specific points to see:

• Via Montecassino
• Montecassino Abbey guided tour (ticket required)