Plutarch wrote about itGreek-speaking historian who lived under the Roman Empire, according to whom “in a short time” The Romans dug a fortification “on the isthmus from sea to sea”, 330 stadia long, 15 feet wide and deep and flanked by a wall “of marvelous height and solidity”. It was the barrier built by the consul Licinius Crassus in 72 BC to trap the rebellious slaves led by Spartacus, the soldier of Thracian origin who led the strongest revolt against Rome, and prevent their access to any supplies. Spartacus’s story ended in Bruzio: defeated twice by Crassus and unsuccessfully attempting to cross the Strait of Messina, bringing the revolt to Sicily, the rebel army was forced to take refuge in the Calabrian mountains where Spartacus died in battle.
Today the “rediscovery” of a wall structure that crosses the woods of Dossone della Melia, in Aspromonte, for almost 3 kilometers, brings History back to the news. It would, in fact, be the “Spartacus wall”. The investigation activities already carried out on the site – as part of a research program conducted by the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria and the province of Vibo Valentia, in collaboration with the Aspromonte National Park – have led to the discovery of numerous metal objects dating back to between the second and first centuries BC, including some curved iron blades, a spearhead, two examples of pilum, a particular type of javelin used by the Roman army in close-range combat. A pommel perhaps belonging to a sword and a handle of a cutting weapon were also found. The research will continue: what is so far a working hypothesis may find a basis following the execution of larger and more in-depth excavation investigations already planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
“The findings and research in Calabria demonstrate once again how much there is to discover and how vast our cultural heritage is. A unique deposit of art and historical sediments in the world, concentrated above all in the South, which spans millennia and which can represent an opportunity for cultural growth and awareness of our history and identity, but also for economic and social development. With great determination, the Ministry will continue in this action of research and valorization of what has been discovered”, commented the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano.
“Rarely does archaeological investigation provide elements that allow the immediate identification of what has been found with sites or even specific monuments cited in ancient sources. This is the case of the mighty wall structure located near the Cancelo Pass, in the territory of Ciminà (Rc), already known for some time to hikers who walk the paths of Aspromonte, which can now be identified with the barrier wall “from sea to sea” built by Marco Licinio Crasso”, confirmed the general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, Luigi La Rocca. All that remains is to wait for the continuation of the research and study campaign among the “treasures” of Aspromonte.