SAN DONATO VAL DI COMINO

Location: San Donato Val di Comino, Lazio (Italy) — 41.7086 N, 13.7867 E

Dating: 8th-5th centuries BC (polygonal foundation)

Characteristics: The greater site and hillside contains the structural remains of an ancient Roman villa. The short section of polygonal wall still visible forms a terrace wall or foundation supporting part of the villa. Precise polygonal joinery is observable as well as blocks that vary in size from 0.5–1.5 meters. A unique and interesting feature of the wall is a spring. The water source emerges directly at or immediately below the base of the wall and suggests that the polygonal construction was possibly tied to water management. Also of note, the surviving polygonal wall is integrated with later Roman retaining structures. At either end of the wall polygonal blocks are visibly reused or refitted into opus incertum or opus reticulatum surfaces. The stark contrast demonstrates the still not fully understood building capabilities of pre-Roman peoples.

Polygonal classification: Type II (Lugli)

Attribution: The site is attributed to pre-Roman Italic peoples of the central Apennine valley, likely connected with the ancient settlements in the Comino Valley prior to Roman annexation.

Specific points to see:

• Via Casali