A Prospection-Led Archaeological Investigation of a Picenian and Roman Necropolis in Corinaldo (Marche, Italy)

This paper presents the results of an integrated archaeological and geophysical investigation conducted between 2018 and 2024 at the newly discovered Picenian and Roman necropolis of Contrada Nevola (Corinaldo, Marche, Central Italy), identified in the framework of development-led archaeology. The research strategy combined aerial photography, systematic field-walking, automatic resistivity profiling (ARP) and magnetometry, followed by targeted excavation guided by the outcomes of non-invasive surveys. The integrated analysis revealed a complex, multi-period funerary landscape, including four large Orientalising circular monuments dated to the late 7th century bce and a later Roman cemetery (2nd–4th century ce) partially superimposed on the earlier structures. Geophysical data proved crucial for defining the geometry, state of preservation and internal organisation of the circular monuments associated with the Picenian phase, as well as for identifying focal anomalies interpreted as burial deposits and ritual features within a diachronic perspective. The complete excavation of one of the earliest monuments (Circle 2) in 2024 confirmed the predictive value of the geophysical surveys, leading to the discovery of an exceptionally rich Picenian princely tomb containing almost 200 artefacts, including a two-wheeled chariot, weapons, bronze vessels and imported objects. Ritual pits identified through geophysics and excavation indicate a prolonged ceremonial use of the enclosed space. This case study highlights the methodological potential of integrating remote sensing, geophysics and excavation in funerary contexts, demonstrating how non-invasive techniques can effectively guide excavation strategies and enhance archaeological interpretation.