Scolacium Archaeological Park

The Archaeological park of Scolacium hosts the ruins of the ancient Greek City of Skilletion that became a Roman colony after the war against Hannibal, and assumed the name of Minervia Scolacium. Little remains of the pre-Roman settlement, while the structure of the Roman colony and rests of paved roads and aqueduct, of the thermal plant, the amphitheater and the theater are still visible. The theater lies on a natural hill slope and could seat about 5000 people. It was built during the 1st century AD, and was equipped with a new scene when the new colony was founded by Nerva.

In the same period, the town became a considerable monumental center with developed built-up areas. The theater was subject to successive renewals till the 4th century AD. Most materials discovered during digging campaigns come from the theater and include remarkable architectural fragments and sculpted groups. Close to the theater, rests of the amphitheater were found, whose construction dates back to Nerva times. The Park also hosts the Basilica of Santa Maria di Roccella, founded between the 11th and 12th centuries following the canons of the Romanic art with Byzantine and Arab influences.

References:

• turiscalabria.it

Address

Via Magna Grecia, Catanzaro, Italy

Details

Founded: 1st century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy