Lo scavo della cinta muraria messapica in località Armino e Cupa (Ugento, LE)

This paper focuses on the results of recent excavations of long stretches of the Messapian city walls in Ugento, carried out in the sites of Armino and Cupa, located in the south-eastern and south-western corners of the circuit, respectively. In the first area, a stretch 40 m long was brought to light, documenting a structure, mostly demolished, built with large square blocks. In the second area, two stretches, 130 m (“Area Sud”) and 100 m (“Area Nord”) long, were unearthed, documenting a structure with curtain walls made of large square blocks and an emplekton core. Specifically, in the Cupa area, the excavations allowed for the identification of at least two construction phases, dating to the mid-4th century BC and the late 4th-early 3rd century BC. This enabled an examination of the different construction techniques used for the outer and inner curtain walls of the fortifications and a definition of their use up to the Hannibalic War. Furthermore, archaeological investigations led to the discovery of numerous weapons (lead sling bullets and iron dart tips attributable to scorpio-type throwing machines) connected to the Roman assault on the city, likely around 209 BC, following the defection of the Uzentini from their alliance with Rome in favour of Hannibal (213/212 BC). Finally, the excavations also documented the subsequent demolition of the city walls after this episode which marks the definitive Roman conquest of the city