Abstract
The main objective of this book is to design a new archaeological map of ancient Catania, in which each discovery is referred to a geodetic system with absolute geographical coordinates. This project is accomplished by using the Technical Map of the Council of Catania (Analytical Aero-photogrammetric Relief 2002). The final archaeological map is attached both in print and in digital format (PDF), allowing for enlargement or the desired specifications for viewing the planimetric data.
The placement of the archaeological remains is not only symbolic, with reference to a schematic legend as it has been done previously (Boschi, Guidoboni 2001; Branciforti 2003; Privitera 2009; Branciforti 2010); it is instead a representation of the reality in which we are able to accurately detect the space of both the volume and shape of the ancient elements, by reporting their position with respect to their geographic location.
On the map, all of the available archaeological remains are identified (in black) and marked by numbers (in blue) in modern topography (in sepia), giving reference to the schemes of the text; the historical cartography is marked in red (i.e. the planimetries taken or extracted from Houel Voyage, Holm 1873, Ittar 1833).
The designed archaeological maps, (also known as maps of archaeological resources), represent an irreplaceable starting point to orientate, from the planning phase, the decisions of local and territorial boards with regards to the protection of their cultural resources and to the urban and/or building transformations of ever developing cities.
In the first part of the book (Forma Urbis Catinae), the first chapter is entirely devoted to the archaeological map (Edoardo Tortorici) which constitutes the basis for further detailed historical-topographical studies. In the preceding two chapters, dedicated to the latter mentioned studies, a diachronic reading has been offered as a synthesis (based on Forma Italiae typology) of the main developing and transformation phases of the ancient urban system, from the prehistoric (Massimo Cultraro) to the Greek and Roman period, until later ancient times (Edoardo Tortorici).
The second part of the volume (Studies and Materials) contains the specialized contributions, only to some extent put into practice so far, for some important matters relating to the debate regarding ancient Catania.
The manuscript Chronicon Urbis Catinae written by Lorenzo Bolano is generally and rightly considered fundamental proof for the study of archaeological remains, which were still visible in the city before the eruption of Etna in 1669 and nonetheless, a physiologically accurate editing of the text has never been actually attempted; Vincenzo Ortoleva now offers a new edition with related translation and critical comments. The studies of the monumental and urban aspects of the ancient system has, so far, been the focus of researchers at the expense of other similarly important themes. For example, the monuments with a relevant historical-artistic importance have been scarcely studied. Maria Teresa Magro (for the Greek period) and Paolo Barresi (for the Roman period) propose an analysis of these problems.
