Josip VIŠNJI?
(Croatian Conservation Institute, Zagreb, Croatia)
Outline:
Overview of the researched Roman period structures (principia, public bath, Early Christian basilica) and discussion about the possibilities for the presentation of the archeological finds in the old town core of the northern Adriatic city of Rijeka.
Abstract:
Over the past few years the local government of the northern Adriatic city of Rijeka has worked systematically on developing the old town core. As it was known that a Roman period settlement (Tarsatica) had also been located in the area of the medieval town, legislation ensured that rescue archaeology was carried out prior to all construction work. The archaeological research was carried out by the Croatian Conservation Institute.
Research was carried out in 2007 in the area of J. Klovi? Square (Trg J. Klovi?a) and yielded well preserved remains of a Late Roman period military command post (principia), the headquarters of the defensive system known as the Claustra Alpium Iuliarum.
Research was conducted in 2009 and in 2010 in the area of Pul Vele crikve Square (Trg Pul Vele crikve), where the remains of a Roman public bath built in two phases, an Early Christian basilica decorated with multicoloured floor mosaics, Roman period city ramparts and a large Late Medieval cemetery were found.
This research largely broadened previous insight into Roman period Tarsatica and in many aspects was surprising in the quantity of remains uncovered. Many difficulties surfaced during the archaeological research related to the organisation of work and the possibility of documentation that are characteristic for the urban setting in which the research was conducted.
All of the many exceptional finds have further prompted contemplation of the possibility of presenting the Roman period remains and the possibility of their interpolation into the existing urban fabric. Architectural tenders have been issued, but given the fact that the city has developed at the same site almost continually for a period of over two thousand years, work on the presentation has been accompanied by discussion concerning the most optimal method for the presentation and preservation of later phases of construction and on harmonising the need to both present and protect preserved structural remains.
The lecture will present both the research and its outcome, and the possibilities for the presentation of the archaeological finds.
Keywords:
Rijeka, Tarsatica, urban archeology, presentation