Mercenari italici in viaggio verso l’entroterra della Sicilia? Il contributo delle evidenze numismatiche e archeologiche

The subject of the contribution is the analysis of a series of numismatic evidences, coming from Amorella, Monte Raffe, Castellazzo di Marianopoli, Santa Caterina di Villarmosa, through which it is possible to observe how, from the mid-4th century BC, the hinterland had become a veritable enclave of mercenaries. These are allogeneic groups, who presumably arrived in Sicily from the Italian peninsula to serve as soldiers in the ranks of the Dionysian armies, and were subsequently exhorted or chose to settle permanently in the indigenous communities of the interior

Uso della moneta presso gli Indigeni della Sicilia centro-meridionale

The study of the coins found in the indigenous settlements of Caltanissetta province and the analysis of the related contexts of provenance, have highlighted that in these centers, still in the 4th century BC, the coin was considered a worthless piece of metal and that other bronze objects were used as medium of exchange. It is remarkable the discovery in this territory of three “mixed” hoards, including not only coins, but also of bronze scraps and small fragmentary objects. In this regard, the presence in this area of the so-called "monetary barbarizations" is interesting. They are rare specimens whose stylistic aspect, typological association, technical and, sometimes, even weight elemen…

Collezioni numismatiche dei Musei della Provincia di Caltanissetta

The contribution presents the numismatic collections of the province of Caltanissetta, focusing on the formation and the peculiarities of the composition.

I Sicani nel IV secolo a.C.: osservazioni su alcuni ripostigli monetali degli inizi del IV sec. a.C.

This contribution intends to compare the historical testimonies relating to the Sicanians in the 4th century BC with the data deriving from the analysis of the coins found in the sites of the hinterland of Sicily and, in particular, in those falling within the territory of the current province of Caltanissetta

Ceramiche e altri rinvenimenti dalle cisterne del Castello di Butera: spunti e riflessioni

The archaeological investigations (1998-1999) conducted in the area in front of the medieval castle of Butera (CL) have returned part of the internal courtyard of the building, equipped with a system of wells and siloi for water supply and granary. The stratigraphic relationships between the structures and the analysis of the material found inside the cisterns, as well as highlighting the different building phases during which the extensive collection system for water and grain was built (12th/13th-15th century ), allow us to have interesting indicators relating to the duration of circulation of the various pottery classes identified

Il fenomeno delle “barbarizzazioni monetali” in Sicilia attraverso la documentazione numismatica di Sabucina

The contribution analyzes a specific category of coin issues: the "barbarizations, rare specimens whose stylistic aspect, typological association, technical and, sometimes, even weight elements denounce the belonging to productions different from those of the official mints to which typologically they seem to be connected. They are particularly attested in the center of Sicily and, in particular, in the site of Sabucina, which is configured as a privileged observatory for studying structure and functions of these coins

Coinage and Indigenous Populations in Central Sicily

The study of the coins found in the indigenous settlements of Caltanissetta province and the analysis of the related contexts of provenance, have highlighted that in these centers, still in the 4th century BC, the coin was considered a worthless piece of metal and that other bronze objects were used as medium of exchange. It is remarkable the discovery in this territory of three “mixed” hoards, including not only coins, but also of bronze scraps and small fragmentary objects. These elements seem to show a late achievement, among those communities, of an economy based on the exclusive use of coins, that was a peculiar expression of the Greek culture

Gli Indigeni e la moneta. Rinvenimenti monetali e associazioni contestuali dai centri dell’entroterra siciliano

The Sicilian hinterland and, in particular, the territory of the current province of Caltanissetta, during the archaeological investigations of the last sixty years, has returned a substantial monetary documentation. The analysis of these coins, conducted in parallel with that of the materials found in the relative archaeological contexts, has allowed us to draw significant considerations on the "monetary uses" of the anellenic populations of this part of Sicily. Despite, starting from the last twenty-five years of the fifth century a. C., coins spread more and more in this territory, it seems that these communities never fully understood the original structure of this exchange instrument a…

Ripostigli di bronzi nella Sicilia di età arcaica. Contesti di rinvenimento, funzioni e aspetti ponderali

The contribution analyzes the structure, composition and contexts of the archaic age bronze hoards found in the colonial and anellenic sites of Sicily. The particular frequency of hoards in sacred areas is evident, where they are consecrated to the chthonic divinities due to their intrinsic value, linked to their metallic nature and their notion of weight.

Le emissioni monetali della Fenicia prima di Alessandro - I

The study illustrates the origin of money in Phoenicia, starting from the Bronze Age exchange tradition based on silver by weight and linked to the top-down structure of the Syro-Palestinian societies, up to the appearance of money, whose circulation and forms of hoarding are examined

Ripostigli “misti” dalla Sicilia centro-meridionale

It is remarkable the discovery in the hinterland of Sicily of three “mixed” hoards, including not only coins, but also of bronze scraps and small fragmentary objects. They demonstrate that in these centers, still in the 4th century BC, the coin was considered a worthless piece of metal and that other bronze objects were used as medium of exchange. The subject of further study is the so-called closet of Milocca-Milena (IGCH 2162), which is attributed to the site of Monte Raffe

Physical or cultural frontier: a question of method. The example of the Imera-Salso sicilian valley

Facing the study of the frontier on the basis of archaeological evidence presupposes the construction of a rigorous methodological grid which acts as an interpretative filter of the evidence to be analysed. From the 1970s to the present, frontier studies have undergone a notable increase. The debate on the subject has expanded, directing research on several levels. This contribution proposes a model of analysis of the numismatic and archaeological documentation aimed at studying the frontier of the Imera-Salso valley in Sicily

Stipe dell’Athenaion

The subject of the chapter is the study of all the materials collected in the so-called “stipe of the Athenaion” found on the acropolis of Gela during the excavations conducted in the 1960s. The materials are examined and an interpretative hypothesis is advanced on the divinity to whom the offering is addressed.

L’iconografia religiosa fenicia nelle emissioni puniche della Sicilia: il caso di Cossura

The themes of the Phoenician-Punic religious tradition occupy a secondary place in the monetary typology of the Punic cities of Sicily, while, outside the borders of the region, especially in the areas closest to Africa, they retain a prominent place: the case of Cossura, today Pantelleria, is emblematic. The emissions of the island, in fact, still in Roman times, present religious symbols of Phoenician-Punic tradition, demonstrating the persistence of the original cultural and religious identity even after the Roman conquest (217 BC)

Soprintendenza per i Beni Culturali e Ambientali di Caltanissetta. Caltanissetta, Museo Archeologico: i rinvenimenti monetali dal santuario extramoenia di Sabucina

The article is an in-depth study of the two hoards found in the service rooms of the extramoenia sanctuary of Sabucina, an anellenic center in the Sicilian hinterland. The occasion derives from the exhibition of the coins, for the first time, at the Archaeological Museum of Caltanissetta

Prue rostrate sulle monete: riflessioni iconografiche

The contribution will review the main types coin with prows and beaks, represented in isolation or as part of warships, starting from the oldest representations up to those of the First Punic War, which is the theme of the conference. Follow the iconographic observations and reflections about the reasons that prompted the issuing authorities to choose these types

Museo Archeologico Regionale di Gela. Sequestri di monete da Gela e il suo territorio

The exhibition in Gela of the finds seized by the law enforcement between 1970 and 2000 in the surrounding area of the ancient colony is an opportunity for the analysis of the 200 coins, part of the finds. Probably found in the area of Gela, they integrate our knowledge of numismatic discoveries from the area of the ancient city and from the chora. Of particular interest are two homogeneous groups that seem likely to belong to two hoards, datable, respectively, to the 4th century AD and in the 9th century AD

Sicilia, 1 : l'acropoli di Gela : stipi, depositi o scarichi

The subject of the book is the study of the votive stipes or deposits found on the acropolis of Gela during the excavations conducted in the 1960s. The materials are examined and an interpretative hypothesis is advanced on the chronology and on the divinity to whom the offering is addressed.

Le emissioni monetali della Fenicia prima di Alessandro - II

The study illustrates the structure of the first issues of Phoenicia, minted in Arado, Byblos, Sidon and Tyre, with particular reference to the typology, the legends, the technique and the metals.

Recenti scoperte a Gela: il sacello suburbano di Piazza Gorizia

In the winter of 2001-2002, an emergency excavation uncovered another suburban sanctuary in the periphery of ancient Gela (Piazza Gorizia). During the excavations remains of a sacellum and a votive depot datable at the end of 5th century BC were found.

Rinvenimenti monetali da Monte Raffe

The contribution collects and analyzes all the coin finds from the anellenic site of Monete Raffe (CL), both single and hoarded, some of which, recently discovered, come from strata in association with other materials

Monete e spazi sacri: rinvenimenti monetali dai santuari dell’entroterra siciliano

This paper analyzes the coins finds from the sacred area of the indigenous settlements of the Sicilian hinterland. In particular, these coins have been found in sites called Balate, Polizzello, Raffe, Sabucina and Vassallaggi. As, in most cases, the coins are accompanied by the data of excavation, it is possible to make hypotheses about the function carried out the coins within the sacred spaces. It is well known that the coin finds in sacred areas can not be interpreted only as votive offerings, as are also suitable for other readings that only the examination of the context can decode.

Rinvenimenti monetali dall’area centro-meridionale della Sicilia

Object of the contribution are the Roman coins found in central-southern Sicily. These are few specimens, almost always found in an isolated state and rarely known with the context of discovery, which, however, allow us to advance some reflections concerning the occupation of the territory. In particular, numismatic evidence from Gela would seem to suggest that the city continued to be frequented even after its destruction in 282 BC.

Stipe dentro il pithos

The subject of the chapter is the study of all the materials collected in the so-called “stipe inside the pithos” found on the acropolis of Gela during the excavations conducted in the 1960s. The materials are examined and an interpretative hypothesis is advanced on the divinity to whom the offering is addressed

Sicilia in Survey of Numismatic Research 2008-2013

The contribution is a critical analysis of the scientific studies of Greek and Roman numismatics concerning Sicily and produced between 2008 and 2013. The examination reveals a growing interest in the age of the "signing masters", even if the number does not seem to decrease attention for the years between Dionysius and Timoleon and for the period of the end of the III century BC, when Sicily entered the orbit of Rome. There are numerous publications of coin finds and hoards. There is also a particular attention to antiquities, while one of the main poles of interest continues to be iconography.

Nuove considerazioni sull'unità ponderale della prima serie monetale di Biblo

In this contribution it is proposed to identify the standard of 9 gr. of the first Byblos coin series with the Syrian standard of 9.40 gr. which, as evidenced by the material documentation, is rooted in Syria-Palestine from the Late Bronze Age up to the time of coinage of the Phoenician cities

Aldina Cutroni Tusa: una vita per la numismatica

The article traces the main stages in the life and scientific production of Aldina Cutroni Tusa, scholar and professor of Numismatics at the University of Palermo.

Timoleonte e i centri indigeni della Sicilia centrale. L’apporto dell’evidenza numismatica

The studies that in the 1960s developed the theme of the "revival of the Timoleontian age" in the inland centers of central-southern Sicily were based on the erroneous attribution to the Timoleontian age of the Syracusan coin series with the head of Athena/hippocampus and the head of Athena/ star between two dolphins, which determined the generic chronological lowering of the materials and archaeological structures with which the coins were associated and the consequent assignment of many archaeological evidences to the second half of the fourth century BC. The reinterpretation of the numismatic evidence from the hinterland of Sicily proposed in this study offers new interpretative perspect…

Un ripostiglio inedito dall’insediamento di Balate di Marianopoli (Caltanissetta)

The subject of the contribution is a small hoard of 38 coins discovered during the excavations of 1986 in the anellenic center of Balate di Marianopoli (CL). The study examines the composition of the hoard, which also includes a rare specimen with the signature of the engraver Kimon, specifying the date of burial on the basis of the contextual material and proposing a historical interpretation

Una statua fittile di divinità seduta da Capodarso: ipotesi di ricostruzione

The subject of the contribution is the analysis of the lower part (feet) of a clay statue and two clay artefacts decorated with a figurative scene, all found in the anellenic site of Monte Capodarso (Enna) and datable between the 6th and the 5th century BC The latter, considered, at the time of their discovery, as parts of a trapeze, are now considered, in the light of the analysis of the clays, of the decoration and on the basis of comparisons, to be the armrests of the throne on which the figure sat, of which only the feet remain, probably a cult agalma.

Interazioni tra migranti e popolazioni locali nella Sicilia centrale del IV sec. a.C.

The contribution concern the hinterland of Sicily in the 4th century BC, particularly the part delimited by the rivers Halykos and Himeras, inhabited by the Sicans since prehistoric times. The few testimonies of the historical sources about this population of anellenic origin for the given period are compared to the news derived from the analysis of numismatic documents found in the territory in the contest of 4th century BC. The analysis will allow to take account of the prevailing conservatism of these communities, despite interactions with the peninsular groups established in this part of the island in the second half of the 4th century a.C.

Introduzione, in L. Sole - S. Tusa (a cura di), NOMISMATA. Studi di numismatica offerti ad Aldina Cutroni Tusa per il suo novantreesimo compleanno

Fonti storiche e fonti numismatiche a confronto nella Sicilia centro-meridionale della fine del V sec. a.C.

The historical events that involved Sicily at the end of the 5th century BC find a precise description in the X-XIII books of Diodorus Siculus. The numismatic testimonies from the territory of central-southern Sicily, in addition to confirming what has been illustrated by the historian of Agira, integrate and enrich the information, adding data for the same period relating above all to the indigenous centres, neglected by the sources.

“NUMMI DIGITALI”: approcci innovativi per la conoscenza, gestione e valorizzazione del patrimonio numismatico del Museo Archeologico Regionale “A. Salinas” di Palermo’

The subject of the contribution is the “NUMMI DIGITALI” project which aims to enhance the numismatic collection of the Archaeological Museum “A. Salinas” in Palermo, closed to public use for over seventy years, which will become accessible thanks to the close interrelationship between numismatic-archaeological methodologies and the IT approach. The project, curated by Lavinia Sole, Numismatics researcher at the Culture and Society Department of the University of Palermo, within the PON "Research and Innovation" 2014-2020, Axis IV-Action IV.4, provides for the creation of a digital database, in line with the standards and cataloging tools of the ICCD and with the methodological guidelines of…

Un tesoretto dimenticato da Himera: Nuovi dati sul ripostiglio IGCH 2258

Due to the troubled events that accompanied its discovery, the hoard IGCH 2258 has been neglected by scientific studies. The recent examination conducted at the Coin Cabinet of the Museum “A. Salinas "in Palermo, where the complex is kept, and the analysis of the archive documentation of the Museum and Central Archives of the State of Rome allowed to clarify the composition of the complex and to provide more precise information on the place of discovery, allowing to exploit the informative potential of this hoard.

Indagini archeologiche nella Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi a Butera

The contribution illustrates the results of the archaeological investigations carried out on the occasion of the reconstruction of the internal floor of the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi in Butera. The excavation brought to light three phases of restructuring of the monument, between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries, legible, on the outside, in the wall stratigraphy of the western side of the nave.

Mazzarino (CL), contrada Minnelli (sito 41)

The contribution illustrates the site of Contrada Minnelli, in the territory of Mazzarino, which has returned a settlement intended for handicraft production, frequented between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, probably to be identified with the site of Macharina mentioned by the sources. Particular attention is paid to the artifacts of African production found (amphoras, lamps, fragments of sigillata).

Vasellame in vetro dalle cisterne del castello di Butera

The assemblage of glass artefacts, which is the subject of this contribution, has been retrieved from four cisterns (A, B, C, F) of the Medieval Castle of Butera. They are closed contexts, which were not manipulated by modern interventions, and permit a better defnition of the chronology of the glass objects through their association with ceramic material

Dioniso a Capodarso ? Ricostruzione di una statua fittile di divinità seduta in trono

The analysis and reinterpretation of three coroplastic fragments found in the 1960s at the Capodarso site (in the province of Enna) allow us to attribute them to a single artefact and, in particular, to a life-size statue seated on a throne, probably a cult statue.

Le cisterne del castello di Butera: risultati delle indagini archeologiche

In this work are presented the excavation’s results of the cisterns of the Medieval Castle of Butera. The study of pottery and other objects retrieved in the cisterns and the study of the stratigraphic relationships with the walls which are above the cisterns, permit to establish when the cisterns were filled and permit a better definition oh the life’s phases of the court and of the Castle, involved in destructions and reconstructions during Medieval e post-medieval ages

Monete in contesto dall’Acropoli di Gela : (scavi 1952–1953, 1955, 1961)

This work examines the monetary finds from the Acropolis of Gela during the excavations of 1952–1953, 1955 and 1961. It is possible to reconstruct the contexts of discovery for 106 specimens, which come from the main occupation phases of the site, between the fifth and third centuries BC. By reconstructing the contexts it was possible to establish the nature of the monetary finds (single finds or hoards) and the function of the coins within each context (accidental loss or deliberate deposition). The information drawn from the contextual associations offers the opportunity to outline the structure of circulation on the site, especially in relation to the end of the fifth century BC, and als…

Riflessioni intorno al ripostiglio IGCH 2132 da Gibil Gabib

The contribution intends to present, for the first time, the analytical study of all the coins belonging to the IGCH 2132 hoard, discovered in the 1920s in the ancient Anellenic settlement of Gibil Gabib, near Caltanissetta (Sicily) and conserved in the Museum Archaeological "Paolo Orsi" of Syracuse. The study is aimed at inserting the complex in the context of the dynamics of circulation and use of money in central Sicily during the last thirty years of the fourth century. BC, a period that much archaeological literature of the last century considered permeated by the c.d. “Timoleontean revival”. Through the documentation of the coin complex and other numismatic and archaeological evidence…

Iconografie religiose fenicie nelle emissioni di Melite (Malta)

Unlike the Punic issues of Sicily, in which the Phoenician religious iconography plays only a marginal role, on the coins of the III-II century BC. J. C. of Melite, this theme is very present. The permanence of these themes in the monetary issues of peripheral and marginal areas, such as Melite, can be explained as a desire to preserve a cultural heritage and the relative religious identity, which resisted the political conquest of Rome (218 BC)

I rinvenimenti monetali dal santuario extramoenia di Sabucina

The contribution presents two hoards found inside the service rooms of the extramoenia sanctuary of Sabucina, an anellenic center in the Sicilian hinterland. It is a unique context in the panorama of indigenous settlements in Sicily, also because the hoards were discovered during a stratigraphic excavation and the associated materials date their burial to the early 4th century BC, when the site was abandoned

Kimon a Siracusa. Spunti di riflessione sull’attività, lo stile e le opere minori dell’incisore

Kimon's output boasts numerous studios, though the minor nominals are often been excluded from scientific analysis in favor of the major ones. This contribution is dedicated to these «minor» works (in particular silver hemidracmae and bronze hemilitra) listed in the catalogue. Despite the presence of Cimon's signature, they appear distance itself from the rest of its production. By analyzing their style and using comparisons with the larger dies by Kimon himself and other engravers, the author offers new ideas for reflections and questions regarding the engraver's professional activity and procedures of production practiced between the various Syracusan ateliers of the end of the V-beginnin…