Newcastle University

Department Member, School of History, Classics and Archaeology

Other Affiliations: La Sapienza University of Rome, Scienze Storiche, Archeologiche e Antropologiche dell'Antichità
Newcastle University, School of Historical Studies
Pontificio Istituto di Archeologia Cristiana, Archeologia Cristiana
Università Degli Studi Dell'Aquila, Dipartimento di Storia e Metodologie Comparate

IEF-MC Fellow, Ph.D.

About

I have studied Archaeology and Archival studies with a topographical range of interests from Classical to Post Medieval Archaeology since my first degree. I began studying the southern Lazio for my master’s degree thesis in Topography of the Ancient World with a innovative topic of research at that time, the study of the ancient Roman road 'Via Latina' through the southern Lazio, partially published in 2002, after revision. I considered southern Lazio as a challenge in terms of interest and possible discoveries. I used my skills in Roman Topography and Archives in order to understand the transformations of the Via Latina. Analysing the different methodological problems linked to the ‘continuity of life’ in that landscape, I realised the necessity of collecting data for the Medieval and Modern periods in order to achieve effective results for the previous eras, even for the Roman period. Applying archival research methods, I have re-interpreted the topographical development of the Medieval Town of Aquinum, in southern Lazio. Scholars previously believed the city was suddenly abandoned during the Lombard conquest. However, I was able to identify a medieval gate (previously considered to be a Roman structure) within the ancient Roman urban site, and prove that the city was transformed during the Middle Ages. I have carried out an extensive survey on the castles of southern Lazio in their territory and I discovered the monastery of S. Nicola alla Melfa; I have also studied the misunderstood castle of Montenero near Arpino, Italy. I have reconstructed medieval settlement organisation within the medieval Diocese of Verulae (southern Lazio, Italy). I have focused new attention on the medieval archaeology of southern Lazio thanks to an archival approach to the study of the medieval landscape. The "Carta Archeologica Medievale" was the first book written and planned on that area during the Middle Ages, and it represents an important contribution to knowledge. I became confident using data from bibliography range of sources and disciplines, and I learned how to approach field surveys in problematic social contests. I also have identified the Via Francesca across the territory of Veroli, a medieval route, now a country path, which was among the main medieval pilgrimage roads through southern Italy.

I am carrying out a project, under Sam Turner's supervision, which aims at investigating Italian and English landscapes. My aim is to complete my training as Landscape archaeologist in order to obtain definitive professional maturity.
I am also committed to publishing a book in order to finalise my personal contribution to the knowledge of southern Lazio (IT) in the Middle Ages.

Research areas:
    Landscapes in Italy since the Roman period;
    Roman and medieval cities in Central Italy;
    Monasteries and castles in the Middle Ages;
    Ancient and medieval architecture;
    Christian/medieval epigraphy;
    Medieval and modern documents.
    Roman and Medieval roads in Italy. 

Qualifications:
2008: “Dottorato di ricerca” (Ph.D.) in Medieval Archaeology, 3 years, University of L’Aquila (IT). Thesis title: The Castles of Lazio Meridionale. Settlements dynamics, fortified structures and seigniorial power between the Melfa and Liri Rivers (9th - 13th centuries)
2004: “Diploma di specializzazione” (MA) in Classical Archaeology, 3 years, La Sapienza – University of Rome, 1st School of Archaeology - Rome.
2003: “Diploma” in “Archival Studies, Palaeography and Diplomatics”, State Archive of Rome (S. Ivo alla Sapienza).
2001: Post graduate course in “Economics and Management of Cultural Heritage”, Faculty of Economics; University of Rome - Tor Vergata
2000: Pontifical post graduate course in Christian Archaeology, 3 years, Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology (PIAC), Vatican City/Rome: Licenza in Christian Archaeology (1999); Baccalaureato in Christian Archaeology (1998).
1999: Post graduate course in “History of the 20th Century”, 2 years, University of Rome – Tor Vergata/BAICR.
1998: Post graduate course in “Analysis and Management Policies of Archaeological and Architectural Heritage of the Territory”, University of Rome - Tor Vergata;
1997: Masters Degree in Letters (Bachelor (Honours) of Humanities), Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Philosophy). La Sapienza – University of Rome.

Grants and Awards:
         Full-conference scholarships. 
1. 28 - 31 July 2009, VI Encuentros Internacionales del Medievo 2009, Construir la ciudad en la Edad Media”, Nájera, La Rioja, Spain.
2. 10 - 12 October 2008, IV Workshop Città comunali e città del Regno. Confronti e comparazioni (secoli XII-XV), Centro di Studi sulla Civiltà comunale, Pescia (Pistoia) – University of Florence (Italy).
3. 10 - 13 July 2008, Civis civitas, Centro Interdipartimentale di Studi sui Beni Librari e Archivistici (CISLAB), Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Philosophy) in Arezzo/Siena University, Montepulciano (Si).
2009: Funded Project, “Le Storie della terra”, Archaeological Civic Museum of Castro dei Volsci (FR - Italy).
2004-2007: Full scholarship, PhD University of L'Aquila (Italy).

Memberships:
MSRG Medieval Settlement Research Group, since 2011;
CBA Council for the British Archaeology, since 2011;
SAMI Societa' degli Archeologi Medievisti Italiani, since 2006.

Previous positions:
2011: Visiting lecturer, Newcastle University (UK).
2007–2010: Middle and High Schools. Teacher of Italian, History and Latin (Rome and Provincia di Roma).
2009: Project supervisor: “Le Storie della terra”, Archaeological Civic Museum of Castro dei Volsci (FR - Italy).
2007-2008: Scientific Director, Archaeological Civic Museum of Castro dei Volsci (FR - Italy).
2004-2007: Ph.D. researcher, University of L'Aquila (Italy).
2001-2002. BAICR, Istituto Sturzo, Rm – Rome University - Tor Vergata. Learning consultant.
1998-2001. Coop. LATERS srl, external field archaeologist for SAR and SAL, Rome and Lazio.

I participated in numerous excavations in Italy from 1993 to 2005, with several Italian Universities, and abroad: in 1999, at Le Clos de la Lombarde, Narbonne (France), directed by R. Sabrié and M. Sabrié (GRAN); in 1998, in the Ancient Theatre of Arausio (Orange, Vaucluse Departement, France), directed by Xavier Lafon, CNRS- Aix en Provence University (Aix- Marseille I); in 1994; at Sallèles d'Aude (Narbonne - France), directed by Fanette Laubenheimer, Dir. Ric. CNRS; in 1991, Archaeological excavation at "La bas du Vieux", Caen (Normandie), directed by P. Vipard (Service d'archélogie du Conseil général du Calvados).

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