PIETRABBONDANTE

Location: Pietrabbondante, Isernia, Molise (Italy) — 41.7408 N, 14.3847 E

Dating: 5th-2nd centuries BC

Characteristics: Pietrabbondante was a site of major religious, political and cultural importance for the Samnite people. It served as a gathering point and organizational hub for the semi independent Samnite tribes. Pietrabbondante’s polygonal walls are some of the most precise seen in Italy. Often said to have been inspired by Roman and Hellenistic styles, the site was almost entirely built by the Samnites and includes intriguing polygonal foundations which differs from more traditional ashlar masonry above. The site is characterized by a central theater and various temples. The foundational stonework and retaining walls are made of exceptional polygonal blocks.

Polygonal classification: Types II-III (Lugli)

Attribution: The vast majority of the site is dated to the Samnites.

Specific points to see:

• Santuario Italico di Pietrabbondante – Samnite theater, Temple B and surrounding polygonal wall foundations