ROVIANO

Location: Roviano, Rome, Lazio (Italy) — 42.0266 N, 12.9995 E

Dating: 4th–3rd centuries BC

Characteristics: Above the village of Roviano sits the remains of a polygonal wall beneath later structures and terraces. Stretching for 20-30 meters the wall appears associated with an early settlement platform rather than a complete defensive circuit. Unfortunately very little care is taken to clear the wall of vegetation. While not uncommon at many small sites throughout Italy, this one in particular leaves much to be desired. Its precise masonry is found very close to ancient Rome, and it also contains one of the only nubbed polygonal blocks in Italy (not pictured). Roviano is a microcosm of the problems facing many polygonal walls around the world. It only takes a little bit of effort to maintain these ancient and mysterious structures, but all too often they are left to be consumed by nature.

Polygonal classification: Types II-III (Lugli)

Attribution: The site is generally attributed to the Aequi.

Specific points to see:

• Via Altafulla