Solonte et l'eau. L'exploitation des ressources en eau dans la cité antique de Solonte

This research focuses on the study of water management at Solunto, and on the solutions adopted by the inhabitants in regard to hydraulic structures. By means of an interdisciplinary approach based on human sciences (archaeology, architecture, and history), earth sciences, and hydraulic engineering, this work aims to fill a gap in the knowledge of water management of the city, a topic which has been long neglected by modern scholarship. Concerning the historic-geographical context, the Punic city of Solunto was founded on Monte Catalfano during the 4th century BC, after the conquest of the Archaic city by Dionysius I. Archaeological evidence shows that this city was occupied until the 3rd century AD, when it experienced a phase of decline culminating with its abandonment. Between 1825 and the 1960s, archaeological excavations and research at Solunto have been much vibrant, and numerous campaigns have focused on the architectural aspects of the classical city. However, a study of the hydraulic features of Solunto has been addressed only indirectly and, as a result of this limited attention, most of the hydraulic infrastructures are still unpublished. The goal of this project is to understand to which extend the local hydrogeological resources were exploited by the inhabitants of Solunto, as well as to investigate the cultural origin and evolution of the hydraulic system both this city and its surroundings on the long durée. Over the centuries, the geological characteristics of this area changed; these transformations had a practical impact on engineering projects, especially with regard to hydraulic infrastructures. This project discusses also the public or private destination of these infrastructures, their ownership and patronage, highlighting macro-similarities and differences, by drawing parallels with other selected urban examples of water management that share the same chronological framework or a similar Punic sphere of influence. The work is divided into three complementary parts: 1. The first section presents and discusses secondary literature concerning the ancient environment of Solunto in order to determine the natural conditions in which the Punic settlement developed. The analysis and the identification of the geological features of Monte Catalfano and the surrounding area have been pivotal to reconstruct the ancient landscape. This literature review helps providing a better understanding of the reasons behind the choice of some hydraulic installations linked to the economic activities of this town. The study of the hydrogeological features from Solunto, which includes the analysis of soil composition, offers insights into the methods of human adaptation and the physical anthropic impact on the environment. 2. The second part focuses on the geographical features of the territories surrounding the city, in order to reconstruct the systems of agricultural exploitation and land management. Together with the study of archive data from different Institutions (Palermo Municipal Historical Archive, Palermo State Archive, private archives of the Filangeri and Alliata-Valguarnera families), this research has employed the study of aerial and satellite photos of the territory, the analysis of relevant evidence gathered by means of first-hand field surveys, as well as data coming from secondary literature and unpublished data. 3. The third section investigates the urban space of Solunto along with the systems and infrastructures for the collection, usage, and disposal of water. These data have been collected and integrated into a G.I.S. dataset and supported by means of graphic and photographic documentation. First-hand drawings were executed of the most distinctive buildings. When possible, the hydraulic infrastructures have been connected to the hydrogeological characteristics of the soil. The combination of archaeological and geological data represents the most innovative aspect of this research. This methodology has led to the creation of a research protocol which will be also applicable to other archaeological sites and to the study of their available water sources. The results of our study have demonstrated a close relationship between the technological expertise achieved by engineers and the hydrogeological features of Solunto, especially between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. In fact, the city was equipped with a collection system that gathered both underground waters and rainwater in cisterns / tanks. These structures share all the same features: irregular shape and walls which fit into the orientation of the natural cracks of the mountain; they are equipped with a niche located in the area where the water springs from the subsoil. From the 2nd century BC, more regular and larger tanks were built, in parallel with the construction of a new urban system. These new tanks follow the same construction techniques widespread throughout the Mediterranean, however they employ specific elements common to the Punic culture, such as: 1) the use of the punic cubit as measurement unit, 2) the use of the typical Punic plan with a double apse 3) more specific water collection elements. This chronological stage witnesses the appearance of the first public latrines, while the use of bathrooms seems to have already been widespread during the previous Punic phase. Yet, the number of these facilities was limited and depended on individual wealth. Personal hygiene was also ensured by buildings which provided a collective experience. In particular, the public baths as part of the sports complex of the gymnasium; in many ways, this structure seems to have been the equivalent of a community centre for the needs of young people of Solunto’s community. This aspect, also documented by epigraphy, finds numerous parallels in other Mediterranean cities during the Late Hellenistic period. In imperial times, Solunto was considered a secondary city and from the 2nd century AD onwards, the population underwent a progressive demographic decline. The data coming from excavations/observations confirm the absence of new buildings. The inhabitants limited their activity to the renovation of existing infrastructures, as shown by the numerous layers of waterproofing plaster recognised in the tanks. This aspect is also documented by the “Piccole terme”, which were restored up to the 2nd-3rd century AD. The “Masonry Cistern” (n. 33) was also converted into a warehouse or, perhaps, a dwelling. Other buildings and/or cisterns such as the public baths, which seems to lose its importance after the 1st century AD, were completely abandoned. This project offers for the first time a holistic and comprehensive vision of the management of water resources in Solunto, considering both engineering features and cultural aspects (Punic, Greek or other background). Throughout this research, the comparisons between Solunto and other Punic cities and ancient cultures have enriched and made it clear the relevance of the water supply. The archaeological study, combined with more specific geological research, has shown how the city was well equipped with a hydraulic supply system, which relied on rainwater and natural groundwater.