ENTRANDO IN CITTÀ DAL MARE. BRUNDISIUM E IL FRONTE MONUMENTALE DEL PORTO

Abstract

Between the late Republican and Augustan ages, a huge monumentalization program involved the ‘Collina di Ponente’ (west
hill) side facing the inland port of Brundisium. Based on fragmentary, yet significant documentation, the proposed reconstruction
enables to highlight the impressive visual impact offered to those who entered the city from the sea – a magnificent architectural
framework featuring terraces, city walls, and an access door to the urban sanctuary, which soared on the hill top. Aligned with the
port mouth, at the centre of the hillside, a two-column monument was to be found; its position, orientation and, above all, the
iconography offered by the summit capitals underlined the monument close link with the sea, enhancing the importance of the
city – and especially that of its port – as an essential strategic place for Rome’s victorious military exploits.

Keywords: Brundisium, inland port, west hill, urban sanctuary, two-column monument.