Paestum: Doric monument unearthed

On the western slope of Paestum’s walls, archaeologists from the Archaeological Park discovered capitals, columns, cornices and triglyphs of a Doric building. Significant was the discovery of a panel, probably a metope, in sandstone decorated with three rosettes in relief, such as are also known in other Doric buildings built between the 6th and 5th centuries B.C. at Paestum.

The architectural elements, which are also interesting because of the presence of traces of red-colored plaster and paint, appear to have been accumulated along the walls as part of agricultural work since the 1960s and seem to belong to a smaller building, a small temple or portico, which would date to the same period as the Tomb of the Diver and the Temple of Athena (late 6th/early 5th century BCE).

The director of the Paestum Archaeological Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, explained that the area has in the past yielded a votive stipe, with clay figurines of female gods on thrones and ceramic fragments datable between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. It is located in the vicinity of what was most likely Paestum’s kerameikos, the artisan quarter where the city’s famous painted vessels were made. “Now somewhere between the artisanal district and the city wall must have been our building, a real jewel of late Doric architecture.” It is not known where exactly. Regarding the recovery of the elements, which have been transported to storage, where they will undergo analysis and consolidation work, the Park has informed the Director General for Archaeology, Gino Famiglietti, and the Superintendent of the provinces of Salerno, Avellino and Benevento, Francesca Casule, in order to agree on a shared intervention and investigation strategy.

Paestum: Doric monument unearthed

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.