The reuse of an ancient metope in the castrum of Civita di Ogliara (Serino, Italy): an example of ideological intent in the longobardian architecture

The metopes of bucrania represented animal and flowers, respectively the effective sacrifice and the decoration of the altar in ancient times. The reuse of this architectural elements in Longobardian times assumes a significance inside the strategies of the new invaders in the South of Italy. The castrum of Civita di Ogliara (Serino, Italy) was a fundamental outpost for the longobardian cavalry, a strategic passage through Apennines for the Duchy of Beneventum during the battles against Byzantines located in the coastal territories. The metope of a bucranium and a not well-identified flower, composing the so called Porta Salerno in the archaeological site, assumes a particular implication in the ideological intent of Longobards. The work shows the characteristics of the metope and the archaeological site, hypothesizing the significance of the reuse. The bull's head, symbol of power, means the adfirmation of Longobards, such as warrior invaders in the territories of southern Europe.