Research at the Punic site of Villamar continues. Two scientific interventions are planned on the finds uncovered during the last three excavation campaigns (2023-2025), coordinated by the Municipality's technical directorate. They will focus on specific but complementary areas.
Archaeologist Elisa Pompianu will oversee the study of the material finds, documenting, digitizing, and processing the data relating to the entire corpus of artifacts and ceramic materials recovered. Dr. Stefania Giarrusso will conduct an anthropological study through osteological analysis of a selection of human remains found in the necropolis.
The work, which will last at least six weeks, will be aimed at compiling an anthropological report on the population buried at the site. "These activities are preparatory to continuing the archaeological investigations and, ultimately, to the possibility of planning new excavation campaigns in the necropolis," Pompianu states. Restoration work entrusted to expert Maura Mereu will also begin shortly. This work will involve a selection of the movable artifacts recovered over the last three years of excavation.
The project also represents an important training opportunity. Other collaborators, including postgraduate students and already specialized professionals, will participate in the activities, enabling them to acquire and consolidate skills in the various phases of studying, documenting, and conserving archaeological materials.
At Villamar, therefore, research does not end with the conclusion of the excavation campaigns: the study, conservation, and valorization of the finds allow for the continuation of the scientific work and paves the way for future investigations of the Punic site.
