Museo Archeologico Di Egnazia
Museum | Savelletri | Puglia | Italy
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Egnazia, named after Giuseppe Andreassi, is a significant archaeological museum near Savelletri, Puglia, Italy. It is located in close proximity to the ancient city of Egnazia and offers a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of this region from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
History and Importance
Egnazia was a strategically important city founded in the 16th century BC and inhabited until the 13th century AD. It played a central role in trade between the West and the East, serving as a major hub for the exchange of goods and cultures. The museum was established to preserve the rich history of this city and its surroundings and make it accessible to the public.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum is divided into several sections highlighting different periods and aspects of the history of Egnazia and the surrounding region:
Bronze Age settlements: This section presents finds from the Bronze Age, including ceramics and artifacts that provide insights into the early settlements along the Adriatic coast of Puglia.
Messapian and Roman times: Artifacts from the Messapian and Roman periods are exhibited here, including ceramics, sculptures, and everyday objects that illustrate life in Egnazia during these times.
Late Antiquity and Middle Ages: This area focuses on the period after the fall of the Roman Empire and showcases finds from the late antique and medieval periods, including religious artifacts and everyday objects.
Highlights include a mosaic depicting the "Three Graces" and a marble sculpture of the god Attis.
Archaeological Park
Adjacent to the museum is the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, which encompasses the ruins of the ancient city. Visitors can explore the remains of the Via Traiana, the Civil Basilica with the Hall of the Three Graces, the Temple of the Eastern Gods, the portico-lined Piazza, the Cryptoporticus, and the baths. These sites offer a fascinating insight into the urban development and daily life of the ancient city.
Education and Research
The museum and Archaeological Park serve not only for the preservation and exhibition of artifacts but also for scientific research and education. They offer educational programs and events aimed at deepening the understanding of the history and culture of the region and bringing the heritage of Egnazia closer to a wide audience.
Overall, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Egnazia represents a significant cultural treasure that preserves the rich history and heritage of one of the most important ancient cities in Puglia and makes it accessible to the public.
