Archaeologists and geophysicists have identified previously buried structures beneath the ancient fortified settlement of Castiglione di Paludi in Calabria, offering new clues about the organisation and development of the site.<\/p>\n
The discovery was made through a non invasive research campaign led by the University of Catania, combining archaeological research with geophysical surveying.<\/p>\n The ancient settlement, located in the province of Cosenza, dates back to the 4th century BC and is considered one of the most significant fortified archaeological sites in Calabria.<\/p>\n Researchers say the site\u2019s origins remain uncertain. It may have been established by communities connected to the Greek cities of Magna Graecia or by the Brettians, an ancient population that occupied parts of southern Italy.<\/p>\n Castiglione di Paludi was surrounded by a substantial defensive wall, with at least two gates identified on its eastern side.<\/p>\n The northeastern gate appears to have received particularly monumental treatment.<\/p>\n Inside the settlement, the urban layout was organised around a central road, known as a plateia<\/em>, with evidence of areas that may have served public functions.<\/p>\n One of the site\u2019s most unusual features is a badly damaged structure that interrupts the plateia<\/em> near its centre.<\/p>\n Researchers believe the structure may have formed another important public area and could potentially have had a religious or sacred function.<\/p>\n Determining its original purpose could help archaeologists better understand how Castiglione di Paludi developed during the transition from the Classical to the Hellenistic period.<\/p>\n The latest research relied on geophysical techniques that allow scientists to investigate what lies beneath the ground without disturbing archaeological layers.<\/p>\n A team from the University of Catania\u2019s Applied Geophysics Laboratory carried out the survey in May through a collaboration between the university\u2019s Department of Humanistic Sciences and Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences.<\/p>\n Researchers used two main techniques, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and magnetometry.<\/p>\n In each of the two investigated areas, 11 ERT profiles measuring 31 metres were carried out. The profiles were positioned parallel to one another at one metre intervals and used 32 electrodes.<\/p>\n Magnetometric surveys were conducted across the same areas using a proton precession magnetometer.<\/p>\n All measurement points were precisely recorded using GNSS technology, allowing researchers to map the location of detected anomalies and account for variations in the terrain.<\/p>\n The most significant results came from the first study area.<\/p>\n Data revealed pronounced subsurface anomalies at depths of approximately 1.5 to 2 metres. Some of the areas recorded resistivity values exceeding 90 ohm metres.<\/p>\n Researchers say these characteristics could be consistent with buried construction remains.<\/p>\n By combining the individual ERT profiles, the team produced a three dimensional model of the subsurface.<\/p>\n The model showed that the strongest anomalies were concentrated in the northeastern section of the surveyed area.<\/p>\n The magnetic survey produced corresponding anomalies in the same area, providing additional support for the interpretation of the geophysical data.<\/p>\n The second study area produced a different picture. Researchers found generally regular resistivity patterns, with no major anomalies in the shallow subsurface. Some variations appeared at greater depths and may reflect changes in the physical properties of the underlying geological material.<\/p>\n The magnetometric survey similarly detected no significant magnetic variations in the second area.<\/p>\n The University of Catania researchers said the agreement between the electrical and magnetic surveys provides valuable evidence about the site\u2019s buried features.<\/p>\n The findings do not by themselves establish the exact nature or function of the detected structures, but they provide a basis for identifying areas that could warrant further archaeological investigation.<\/p>\n The three dimensional subsurface models could also help researchers plan future surveys while limiting unnecessary excavation.<\/p>\n The team has proposed extending the geophysical investigation into neighbouring areas to develop a more complete picture of the settlement beneath the surface.<\/p>\n The research demonstrates how modern geophysical technology can reveal archaeological features while preserving the site\u2019s existing stratigraphic layers, potentially opening the way for further discoveries at one of Calabria\u2019s important ancient settlements.<\/p>\n![\"Hidden](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Foto-1_0-1024x576.webp)
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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBuried structures detected beneath the settlement<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/02-Fig.-1-1024x576.webp)
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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nArchaeology without excavation<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/09-Fig.-7.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nStrong anomalies point to possible archaeological remains<\/h2>\n
Research could lead to further discoveries<\/h2>\n
Source<\/h3>\n