Ugento (LE) tra sviluppo urbano, rinvenimenti archeologici, strumenti vincolistici

This paper explores the close relationship between archaeological research and urban development in Ugento, a site marked by partial continuity of occupation. Archaeological investigation has long been characterised by the absence of systematic and extensive research on the ancient settlement. Three main phases can be identified. The first, spanning from the mid-eightenth to the mid-twentieth century, consists of sporadic and chance discoveries, mainly funerary, in areas not yet affected by modern construction. The second phase, beginning after the Second World War, is characterised by an increase in small-scale rescue excavations carried out in response to accidental finds during public and private building activities, particularly intense in the 1980s and 1990s, alongside growing awareness and protection measures. The third phase corresponds to the past two decades, discoveries have largely resulted from preventive archaeology linked to construction and infrastructure works, leading to a significant expansion of knowledge, supported by the publication of the first archaeological map of the ancient settlement in 2021, updated in 2025.