High grounds on the outskirts of Samnium Caudino: an overview in the light of aero-topographical research

The paper proposed the results of the aerotopographical studies on te high grounds on the outskirts of Samnium Caudino. The overall picture highlights an articulate high grounds settlement complex, which topographic features seem to be founded on occupational choices, inserted in a well-structured district-type system of territory garrison and supervision . Accurately documenting each single context, which differ in size, elevation, type and geographical location, and re-examining them in the framework of the local settlement pattern, qualifies them as the focus of the anthropic landscape, each interacting with one another. If on one hand their general features seem to match certain territory defence criteria, according to a model known for this period throughout Northern Campania , it should be noted that, on the other hand, most of the archaeological data recorded, with some exceptions, are not to be interpreted as actual fortified walls, but as much simpler upland locations delimited by earthworks.