Since 2011, archaeological research has been carried out in the bay of Cartaromana, off the coast of Ischia, on the site of the Cité engloutie d’Aenaria. Submerged about six meters deep following a volcanic eruption in the 2nd century, this Roman city is the subject of a structured program of underwater archeology, centered on the reconstruction of its port and residential structures.
Recent excavations highlighted the economic role of the city in the imperial era. In addition to the identification of a quay in opus caementicium, associated with reticulatum opus walls and vestiges of villas, operations have revealed the presence of metallurgical and naval activities: foundry remains, fragments of statues as well as amphorae of different provenances bear witness to the integration of the site in mediterranean exchanges. The exploitation of galene and the discovery of lead blocks confirm this activity. According to museum documentation, Aenaria’s name comes from the Latin term aenum, designating metal.
A museographic device has been set up to restore the different site occupation phases, in particular by means of a 3D animation entitled “2000 years under the sea. In search of the port of Aenaria”. In 2020, the wreckage of a Roman boat was also found in the bay.
The valuation of the site is based on a model combining crowdfunding and logistics provided by the local cooperative Marina Di Sant’anna. Activities for the public, such as transparent backgrounds and educational workshops, participate in mediation while supporting the study and conservation of the site. The Soprintendenza Archeologia, a beautiful Arti e Paesaggio de Naples coordinates the scientific component, in connection with specialized university laboratories.
The rediscovery of Aenaria dates back to 1972, when a first block of metal was rose to the surface. After a prospecting phase between 1973 and 1975, methodical archaeological excavations were engaged in 2011, gradually revealing the topography of the site.
The excavations are carried out under the direction of Alessandra Benini. The Soprintendenza de Naples ensures scientific coordination, while the Marina Di Sant’anna is responsible for the tourist and cultural exploitation of the site, under the coordination of Giulio Lauro.
The program comes up against several constraints: currents limit the duration of underwater interventions and complicate documentation and conservation operations. Funding remains fragile, despite the involvement of private sponsors.
Research results indicate that Enaria was a strategic pole in the Gulf of Naples. His disappearance is attributed to volcanic activity, successive tsunamis and the morphological transformations of the bay.
