Sedi del Potere di un insediamento italico nell’Appennino lucano: Torre di Satriano in età arcaica

The Italian settlement of Torre di Satriano has been the object of an interdisciplinary archaeological project since the year 2000 by the University of Basilicata (Scuola di Specializzazione in Archeologia di Matera). The research in recent years has been concentrated on two exceptional complexes from the archaic period. These complexes are the object of the present article. The first of these is a large residence, rectangular in plan with an apse at one end, constructed using hut–like techniques and located on a plateau east of height of Torre di Satriano. This structure, built during the seventh century BC and destroyed shortly before the middle of the following century, was built on top of an older building. The second structure, located near the northern slope of the hilltop, is an extraordinary complex, both in terms of its dimensions as well as for its construction techniques and the quality of the decorations. Realized around the middle of the sixth century BC by greek artisans, it is known in the current state of the research for two principal phases before its destruction around 480/470 BC. The article presents the main elements of the architectural decoration – among which stand out the frieze representing hoplites and horsemen – as well as the rich and articulated furniture found inside, in primis the door to the central room preserved in situ with its bronze decorations. The article also presents a sample of the many ceramics, local and imported from Greece and Magna Graecia that recall the sumptuous ceremonies that characterized the life of the italian elites in their seats of power.