Review on land subsidence in the archaeological site of Sybaris (Southern Italy)

This paper takes into account the case history of the archaeological site of Sybaris. The research carried out until now on field and laboratory, on the basis of multidisciplinary investigations, has identified a complex phenomenon of subsidence affecting the area since ancient times. The archaeological site lies on an alluvial plain consisting of three superimposed levels of occupancy. The geological, structural, geoclimatic, geotechnical and hydrogeological circumstances responsible for the subsidence have been investigated. The geomorphological evolution of the area has been reconstructed by means of 14C datings performed on peats, fossils and organic substances. This study represents a scientific advance not only for the knowledge of the environmental evolution but also for the safeguard and the management of the archaeological digs. In fact it provides a guide as to the type of action required to keep deep archaeological levels free from the groundwater invading the subsoil.