The Site of Monte Testaccio
In
ancient times, amphorae were the main containers used for transportation
and storage of goods. They were massively produced because of their low
cost and reusability, although some of them would be discarded. Between
the 1st and the 3rd centuries, millions of these amphorae were dumped
at a specific location in Rome.
Over the years, they formed an artificial hill of testae and crockery 45 meters (135 feet) high. Originally these amphorae had been used to hold the olive oil imported from the provinces, mainly from Betica (modern Andalucia in southern Spain). When discarded, the crockery was covered by a film of lime, most likely intended to keep the oil from decomposing. This lime acted as a cohesive element and has assisted in the stabilization of the mound through time.
Many of the amphorae still have the maker’s seal stamped on their
handles, while others retain titles and notes written with a brush or quill
listing the exporter’s name and indicating the contents, the export
controls, and consular date. All these notes make Testaccio the largest
archive of Roman commerce in the world.
In addition, the epigraphy on the pottery provides first-hand documentation of the Roman Empire’s economy, the commercial relations between Rome and the provinces, as well as their eating habits.
The Spanish Royal Academy of History and the Center for the Study of the Provincial Interdependency in the Classical World - from the University of Barcelona - have joined efforts with the University of Rome to perform extensive research at the site of Testaccio.
This excavation is overseen by professors from the Universities of Madrid
and Barcelona. In 1989, the research team was asked to undertake a series
of excavations at Monte Testaccio. This team had prior experience studying
the region of Andalucia where the amphorae originated and in some areas
of Germany where the products were shipped.
There are two objectives involved in these excavations:
- To confirm or deny the existing hypothesis about the formation and composition of the hill.
- To complement the existing documentation using the newly acquired information about the deposition system on the hill.
Working alongside this team will offer you a unique opportunity to take part in one of the most important research programs in Roman epigraphy and archaeometry.
You can see an online exhibit about Monte Testaccio at the CEIPAC website by clicking here.