Excavations of Egnazia

Egnazia, located in the municipality of Fasano, in the province of Brindisi, is one of the most fascinating archaeological areas in Puglia. With a history that has its roots in the Iron Age, Egnazia has seen the passage of various civilizations, each of which has left its mark. Today, thanks to archaeological excavations, it is possible to relive the grandeur of this ancient city and discover its role in the evolution of the region.

In this article, we will explore the history of Egnazia, the archaeological excavations that have brought to light important finds and what there is to see for those who want to immerse themselves in the past.

Brief history of Egnazia

Egnazia was born as a prehistoric settlement, but it was during the Messapian period (6th century BC) that it reached its maximum expansion and importance. Its strategic position, halfway between Taranto and Brindisi and near the Adriatic Sea, made it a strategic commercial stopover in the connection between the West and the East. The Messapians, an ancient Italic population, were the main inhabitants of Egnazia, and the city became a thriving center of trade, culture and defense.

With the arrival of the Romans in the 3rd century BC, Egnazia underwent a radical change. The city was incorporated into the Roman Empire and became an important commercial and administrative hub, although it maintained a certain degree of autonomy. The decline began in the late empire, and the city, probably due to events related to barbarian invasions and the abandonment of trade routes, was progressively uninhabited.

Excavations of Egnazia

Egnazia remained buried under the ground for centuries, until the first excavations began in the 19th century, bringing to light the extraordinary evidence of its history. To date, numerous buildings, streets, temples and homes have been brought to light that tell the daily life of the inhabitants of Egnazia.

Lower City: the heart of the Messapian civilization

The Lower City is the heart of the Messapian settlement of Egnazia and is characterized by an urban layout typical of the cities of this people. The streets are laid out in a regular way, with buildings aligned along the main roads. Among the main Messapian finds discovered, we find necropolises with chamber and pit tombs, which have returned rich funerary objects, including ceramics, coins and objects of everyday use.

In this area a large building has also been identified, probably a temple, which shows the characteristics of Messapian religiosity. The inscriptions found in this area, particularly those in the Messapian language, are of great importance for the study of the language and culture of this people.

Upper City: Roman influence

The Upper City represents the period of Roman domination in Egnazia. Here the remains of important public and private structures have emerged, including a large thermal area, a forum and a public building that is believed to have been an administrative center. The baths, in particular, are of great interest, both for their architectural beauty and for their state of conservation.

Numerous mosaics were also found during the excavations, some of which feature mythological and everyday scenes, demonstrating the high artistic level achieved by the city in Roman times.

Archaeological Park of Egnazia

The Archaeological Park of Egnazia is easily accessible and offers a tour that winds through the ruins, allowing visitors to explore the different areas of the city in detail. Among the places of greatest interest are:

• The Walls of Egnazia: The defensive walls, dating back to the Messapian period, are still visible and testify to the strategic importance of the city.
• The Theater and the Amphitheater: Although not completely restored, the remains of a theater and an amphitheater are still visible, places of entertainment and socialization for the inhabitants of Egnazia.
• The Messapian Necropolis: here numerous funerary objects have been found that allow us to better understand the funerary traditions of the Messapians.

The Archaeological Museum of Egnazia

Next to the excavations is the National Archaeological Museum of Egnazia, which houses finds discovered during the excavation campaigns. The museum is an ideal starting point for better understanding the history of the city and the populations that inhabited it. Among the objects on display are ceramics, statues, inscriptions and objects of everyday use, but also evidence of religious life and trade.