Before and after the dig. A middle Adriatic long-standing necropolis between non-invasive prospecting and excavation

The contribution presents the results of an archaeological project conducted by the University of Bologna in Corinaldo (Ancona, Central Italy), which began in 2018 as a development-led archaeology intervention and evolved into a long-term research, training, and public engagement initiative. The discovery of a previously unknown necropolis - spanning from the Iron Age to the Roman period - was made possible through an integrated approach combining aerial monitoring, geophysical survey, and surface reconnaissance. These non-invasive methods were fundamental in identifying and evaluating the site, directing the excavation strategy, and fostering dialogue with local authorities and the public. Seven excavation campaigns have since confirmed and expanded upon the data from remote sensing, revealing an articulated funerary complex that includes three Iron Age princely tombs and over 80 Roman burials. The project offers a critical comparison between non-invasive and invasive archaeological methods, highlighting their complementary roles in understanding complex, multi-phase sites. It also emphasizes the importance of preventive archaeology for heritage protection and the potential of interdisciplinary strategies in advancing archaeological knowledge and community engagement.