The Calore River: settlements and roads in the Roman times

This paper presents the results of the territorial investigation of the lower valley of the Calore River, a tributary of the Volturno, providing contact to and from the hinterland. In the Roman period, this area was administered by the city of Telesia, in the municipality of S. Salvatore Telesino (BN). A large number of archaeological sites have been documented along the banks of the Calore River, related to this ancient town. The archaeological evidence increases especially in the Late Republican Period when the colony was founded. In fact, traces of centuriated systems are recognisable from this period. Along the terraces overlooking the river, we have identified tombs and rural settlements dating from the Late Republic to the 5th century AD. Scatters of materials provide evidence of small and medium-sized farms and large villas have also been identified, of which structures in opus incertum still remain. This sector is crossed by the Via Latina, from Allifae to Beneventum, which ran parallel to the course of the Calore River. In the territory of Solopaca, on the left bank of the river, are a number of examples of rustic villas, often accompanied by torcularia for the production of wine and oil. The mapping of the archaeological sites and finds along the river valley enable a fresh evaluation of the development of settlement and occupation within this area over time.