Le ricerche dell’Università di Palermo. Scavi a Castel di Tusa e nel settore nord-orientale delle fortificazioni di Halaesa negli anni 2018-2025

This paper presents the results of research conducted in two particularly important areas of Halaesa: an extra-urban sector near the coast, situated close to the ancient road; and an urban sector characterized by fortification walls and two large towers, which are the specific focus of the study. The results have been particularly interesting and, in part, unexpected. In the extra-urban sector it is possible to observe a settlement area regularly organized, featuring two building blocks separated by a road; this is equipped with a drainage channel. Regarding the fortifications, technical details have been clarified and specific chronological sequences identified, allowing the structure's construction to be dated to the Hellenistic period; it ceased to be used after the early Imperial age. Furthermore, a Roman Imperial Age bath complex—one of the largest in Sicily and featuring lavish stucco decoration—was discovered in the area immediately inside the walls; nearby, previously unknown sections of the Hellenistic road network have also come to light. The project is a work in progress, and research in both areas will continue over the coming years.