Monday 25th September 2023 – Camping Aquileia, Aquileia, Italy

 

We had still not visited a few of the outlying sites of the city, so we decided to have another night in Aquileia. We set off walking around the outskirts of the town passing extensive, covered excavations at the House of the Wounded Beasts that must have had wonderful views of the distant mountains. The remains of the aqueduct were difficult to discern, the only thing that we could see was a slightly raised bank alongside the modern road. On then to the forum – a very large area that spread both side of the same modern road. The re=-erected columns and the carved heads that decorated the frieze above them, give an idea of the status and wealth of the area. Next was the Decumano di Aratria Galla- the main east-west road that ran just south of the forum. A large section of well-preserved Roman road with fallen columns and buildings are visible and beyond was a very large area of excavations with more work in progress. As we walked round towards the Roman cemetery, there were yet more extensive excavations. Not open to the public, the area of covers the circus, theatre, public baths and amphitheatre – a very important part of the Roman city. I am sure that these excavations will continue for a long time but should produce some very interesting results. We will made a note to visit again in the next decade!
Next was the Sepolcreto, one of the many city cemeteries. This is quite a small area but gives a very good idea of the cemeteries that would have lined all of the roads outside the bounds of the city.
On the way back to the van, we stopped at the modern cemetery behind the basilica. Here are buried the Italian dead from the First World War – a sobering sight.
Early in our trip we heard of the tragic death of Jane’s much loved second cousin and we decided that we needed to be at the funeral to support the family. Today we heard that the funeral will be next Monday and we therefore need to start our journey tomorrow.

Photos: The Roman Forum with examples of the Zeus Ammon and Medusa carvings; The Decumano di Aratria Galla Roman road; Detail on one of the monumental graves in the Sepolcreto cemetery; This is the Fondo Cal, another villa site with renovation / excavation work in progress; The view from of the campsite – the river and port area is on the tree line with the Roman city behind.