Landscape archaeology in the area surrounding the municipium
A long-term goal of the Aguntum department is the complete inclusion of the area surrounding Aguntum in (field) archaeological research. In particular, the economic foundations of the region are to be described in more detail by means of a detailed landscape analysis. Based on the findings in the municipium, it is clear that the alpine landscape was primarily suitable for keeping sheep and goats and that cattle breeding only played a subordinate role.
There is also evidence of barley cultivation in the agricultural sector and, in the area of mining, it became clear during the excavations at the forum that rock crystals played a major role as a commodity in Aguntum.
However, research into the area surrounding the municipium is still in its infancy. So far, only a few settlement sites have been researched in the wider surrounding area and there is also no evidence of Roman mining, which can be assumed from the rich rock crystal finds. In co-operation with researchers inside and outside the university, further research is being carried out into the structure of the area surrounding the municipium.
Geophysical prospection in the Municipium Claudium Aguntum
Geophysical prospection within the municipium is still associated with great difficulties due to the geological structure of the area. Measurements from 2010 revealed evidence of various building structures. Just how difficult it can be to interpret the measurement results can also be seen from the structures that were assumed to be in the central square of the merchants' forum. The rectangular, almost square structure seemed to suggest an interpretation as a cult building due to parallels in other Roman settlements, but the excavations revealed that this was a rectangular water basin, which, with its embedding in the overall building, has no comparisons in Roman architecture to date.
Literature
M. Auer / F. Bleibinhaus / M. Tschurtschenthaler / M. Unterwurzacher, Municipium Claudium Aguntum. Geophysical prospection on geologically difficult terrain, ÖJh. 82, 2013 (2014), 7-21.
Geophysical prospection in the suburb
On behalf of the Federal Monuments Office, geophysical measurements were carried out in the area of the suburb (east of the city wall) of Aguntum in 2013. The building structures identified indicate a continuation of the dense development already identified by E. Swoboda in this area. Further research in the sense of excavations is currently not planned at this site, but an extension of the prospection area is desirable for the understanding of the ancient city.
Literature
B. Zickgraf / N. Buthmann, Archaeological-geophysical prospection on plot no. 190/1, municipality of Dölsach, cadastral district of Stribach, Tyrol, FÖ 52, 2013, D4499-D4513.
Geophysical prospection in the late antique settlement of Lavant
In the course of the re-evaluation of the "Bishop's Church" of Lavant, it was also possible to carry out geophysical prospection at the Krichbichl of Lavant. This revealed confirmation of the dense construction of the Kirchbichl identified by Miltner in search sections, although it was not possible to capture entire building footprints. On the hilltop in particular, the prospection data shows massive walls that can be linked to the medieval development of the hill.
Literature
B. Zickgraf / B. Schroth, Archäologisch-geophysikalische Prospektion, Spätantike Siedlung am Kirchbühel, Lavant, KG Lavant, Tirol, FÖ 62, 2023, D8938-D8957.
City and surrounding area - The administrative area of the Municipium Claudium Aguntum
In order to bring the administrative area of the municipium into the focus of research, a survey of all Roman and late antique finds and features in East Tyrol and parts of Carinthia and South Tyrol was initiated in 2013/14 with the support of the TWF (Tyrolean Science Fund). The GIS-based survey was carried out in cooperation with Dr Armin Heller, Department of Geography at the University of Innsbruck and forms the basis for further research into the area surrounding Aguntum.
The expansion of the geophysical prospection in the area surrounding the Roman city is currently being planned.
Literature
M. Auer / Ch. Sperger, Das Umland von Aguntum. Eine GIS gestützte Kartierung kaiserzeitlicher und spätantiker Siedlungsplätze, in: M. Auer/H. Stadler (eds.), From Aguntum to Lake Alkus. On the Roman History of the Settlement Chamber East Tyrol (Wiesbaden 2018).
Aguntum, nahe römische Fundplätze (rot) und Georadar südlich der Bundesstraße