Uno sguardo dall'alto sulle Marche settentrionali (Italia): tracce circolari da interpretare. Nuovi dati e stato del problema

The paper presents the results of the most recent aerial surveys carried out by the University of Bologna in the northern Marche (central Italy), across the valleys of the Rivers Cesano and Misa, within a young project of landscape archaeology mainly based on the systematic employment of non-invasive techniques of investigation and mapping. A special focus is reserved to some circular and pseudo-circular cropmarks sites, generically referable to the pre-roman age, here preliminarily analysed, considering shape, morphology, size, topographical location and relationship with the ancient landscape. The process of interpretation is favoured by the integration of different data sets, and supported by a cartographic production which connects all the gathered information. The new activities fit into the deep-rooted research promoted by the University of Bologna in this area, aimed at a better understanding of the ancient dynamics of urbanization and land occupation. To that effect the present study enhances the framework on the human settlement during the Iron Age, which, especially in the northern Marche, represents a complex and fascinating period, characterized by a “cultural melting pot”, with the coexistence and blending of Piceni, Celts and Roman people, even if still poorly archaeologically documented.