Fra Dauni, Sanniti e Romani. Dinamiche insediative e viabilità in area dauna alle soglie della colonizzazione romana

Abstract

This paper examines the process of evolution—continuity and change—of dwellings in Daunia, from indigenous settlements to Greek colonies, to
Roman cities. Recent research on Roman colonization has challenged earlier conceptions of Roman colonization. Here I focus on examples investigated
in Daunia, specifically on the settlements of Apulia preceding the arrival of the Romans and the subsequent Romanization of the area. The most notable
transformation in the landscape of this period was owed to the founding of Roman colonies and the planning of new towns, which, over time, led to the
steady reorganisation of vast territories and the division of rural areas into a network of small properties assigned to the settlers. Not as a drastic change
but as a slow evolution. In studies on the ancient city, Roman included, the relationships between long-distance and urban roads plainly constitute a
key factor in urban planning.

KEYWORDS: Daunia, Ancient settlements, Roman colonies, Roman roads.