VENAFRO

Location: Venafro, Isernia, Molise (Italy) — 41.4840 N, 14.0307 E

Dating: 4th-3rd centuries BC

Characteristics: A hike along the Paesaggio Rurale Storico degli Olivi di Venafro will take you to the foot of a substantial polygonal retaining terrace. Supporting the ground on which a medieval era church was built, the polygonal wall is constructed of large, irregular limestone blocks measuring about 1 meter in length, with some larger foundation stones at the base. The wall follows the contour of the hill with possible tower sections juttting out, serving both as slope stabilization and a defensive substructure. The exact function and purpose of the wall, however, is unknown. Within a few hundred meters of the wall one can find Roman remains of traditional opus techniques.

Polygonal classification: Types II-III (Lugli)

Attribution: The polygonal terrace is attributed to the Samnites, likely the Pentri branch inhabiting the region before Roman expansion and establishment of Venafrum.

Specific points to see:

• Paesaggio Rurale Storico degli Olivi di Venafro/SC del Campaglione (ruins of Chiesa Madonna della Libera)