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Located near the town of Fasano in Puglia, the uncrowded archaeological site of Egnazia is alluring, with vast ruins that slip into the Adriatic sea.

There is something romantic about ruins. Long grass and wildflowers in the spring flutter in the sea breeze, beckoning us to explore what’s left of a town that was founded thousands of years ago.

Archaeological evidence dates the original settlement to the 15th century BCE. Changing through different historic periods, the lower part of the town was abandoned in the 6th century while the acropolis was inhabited until the 13th century.

egnazia archeological site

Egnazia and the Messapians

Egnazia was originally founded by the Messapians, an ancient people who inhabited the region during the Iron Age. The site contains evidence of their settlement, including defensive walls, houses, and tombs, that revealed aspects of their daily life and societal organization. Walking through the ruins we see two types of tombs left by the Messapians, the first of which we can enter.

Semi-chamber tombs, carved into limestone rock, feature a combination of chamber and corridor structures and were used for multiple burials between the late 4th century and 2nd century BCE. They were covered by a stone slab often supported by wooden beams and were plastered and painted with motifs that are still partially preserved. When being reused, the bones from the previous burial were gathered near the head of the tomb or placed in an ossuary to make way for a new, shrouded body to be layed out. Terracotta fruits, in particular, pomegranates, testifies to the custom of bringing offerings to the dead.

The second type of burial is a pit tomb and were used between the 4th and 3rd century BCE. Pit tombs are characterized by their simple design, dug into the bedrock within a larger area. They are typically circular or rectangular in shape and the body laid out in a supine position. Men and women were laid out with objects that were linked with household activities or personal care. Children were placed in large ceramic vessels or under tiles, sometimes over the tombs of the adult members of their families.

The Messapians had their own language and culture, and were known for their skilled craftsmanship, especially in pottery and metalwork. They played a significant role in the history of ancient Italy, engaging in trade, warfare, and interactions with other neighboring peoples, such as the Greeks and Romans. The Messapian civilization eventually declined with the Roman conquest of the region in the 3rd century BCE.

Egnazia under the Greeks and Romans

During the 6th century BCE, Egnazia came under Greek influence, as evidenced by the remains of Greek-style architecture and pottery found at the site. This indicates the cultural exchange and interactions between the indigenous Messapians and Greek colonists who established settlements along the coast of Puglia, or what was then called Magna Grecia.

Egnazia flourished during the Roman period, becoming an important commercial and strategic center in the region. The site features Roman-era structures, such as temples, forums, and public baths, reflecting the urbanization and prosperity of the area under Roman rule.

An important Roman road, Trajan’s Way, cut through Egnazia as an offshoot of the Appian Way and a shortcut to Brindisi.

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Egnazia today

The newly renovated museum at Egnazia is beautifully laid out, to give context to the artifacts found from the various historical periods of the site and bring to light the importance of the city through the following aspects.

  1. Trade and Commerce: Excavations at Egnazia have uncovered evidence of trade networks and economic activities, including imported goods from other parts of the Mediterranean, such as amphorae used for transporting wine and olive oil. This highlights the role of Egnazia as a hub for trade and commerce in ancient Puglia.
  2. Cultural Diversity: The archaeological finds at Egnazia indicate a diverse cultural landscape, with influences from various civilizations, including the Messapians, Greeks, and Romans. This reflects the multicultural nature of Puglia and the interactions between different ethnic groups throughout history.
  3. Urban Development: The layout and architecture of Egnazia provide insights into urban planning and construction techniques employed in ancient Puglia. The presence of public buildings, residential areas, and infrastructure demonstrates the sophistication of urban life in the region during antiquity.
The interactive wall in the museum is a fun way to explore the artifacts found underwater.

Overall, the archaeological site of Egnazia offers a window into the diverse and dynamic history of Puglia, shedding light on the lives, cultures, and interactions of its ancient inhabitants over millennia.

If you love exploring ancient ruins as much as I do, considering joining me on a tour of Basilicata and Puglia through Adventures with Sarah.

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Lisa Anderson

Lisa Anderson has been guiding tours in Italy as part of the Rick Steves team since 1999. Originally, she came to Italy in the 1990s to teach English but ended up falling in love with both the country and an Italian man. These days, Lisa is busy leading tours, discovering new corners of the region, and creating delicious dishes from her garden's bounty. She resides in Piedmont with her husband and sons.

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