by InTrieste
The fourth installment of Archeologia di Sera (“Evening Archaeology”) will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 8:30 p.m. in the garden of the J.J. Winckelmann Museum of Antiquities, focusing on recent underwater archaeological research conducted off the coast of Sicily.
The lecture will be presented by Massimo Capulli, an underwater archaeologist and researcher at the University of Udine, who will discuss nearly a decade of excavations and surveys carried out in collaboration with Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea.
The research, which began in 2017, has examined the stretch of coastline between Ispica and the ancient city of Kamarina, revealing evidence of centuries of maritime activity. Archaeologists have documented hidden landing sites, hazardous reefs, ancient trade routes and shipwrecks spanning different historical periods.
Among the discoveries are the remains of a Renaissance-era vessel that sank near Punta Secca, a large Roman ship carrying marble columns toward Kamarina, and a Classical-period wreck dating to the late fifth century B.C., found among the rocky shoals known as the Secche di Circe, where navigation remains challenging today.
Excavations have also uncovered ceramic fragments, amphorae, anchors, rock-cut landing places and traces of fishing and commercial activity, offering new insight into Sicily’s long-standing role as a crossroads of Mediterranean trade. Researchers say the findings illustrate the complex relationship between coastal communities and the sea over thousands of years.
The presentation will highlight how modern technologies, fieldwork and institutional collaboration are helping archaeologists reconstruct submerged cultural landscapes and preserve an important part of the region’s maritime history.
Following the lecture, the instrumental ensemble Lumen Harmonicum will present an opera gala featuring works inspired by the sea, the Nile, operetta and the music of Giacomo Puccini. Performers will include tenor Paolo Venier, pianist Corrado Gulin, violinist Marco Favento, cellist Massimo Favento and guest soprano Cristina Ferri.
The museum will also offer an extraordinary opening from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., including a free guided tour from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission to all events is free, subject to available seating.
