Studio e analisi di alcuni contesti della domus centrale presso i fondi ex Cossar

This paper aims to propose a chronological framework for the earliest phases of the central domus situated on the ex Cossar property in Aquileia, through a comparative analysis of contextual data and archaeological materials. Some relevant case studies which are evidence of trasformations in act, are examined. Two structural alterations of sector 1 are discussed: the first one includes some events from the western part of the analysed area (the archaeological contexts related to the levels 169=220 and 339) and the second one concerns the eastern part of the sector (the levels under the foundations of the wall 284). In order to establish the chronology of some structures as well as the broader architectural development of the area, a detailed analysis of contextual archaeological finds is carried out. The type-chronological study of the materials found in the contexts which are examined allows identifying two periods of building activity. They date to a rather ancient period of the development of the eastern part of the domus. The first one regards the levels below the floor (339) whose chronology ranges between the second half and the last quarter of the 1st century BC. Above this floor a more recent floor (169=220) was laid in period which dates between the end of the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD. The same data seems to be suggested by the analysis of the pottery from stratigraphic contexts in the eastern part of the sector 1 either. The structural complex established the connection between the wall 284 and the portico of the central domus. By comparing the fresh chronological evidence of the examined area with the existing documentation of earlier excavations made, common features can be noticed. In particular, the chronology and types of pottery found during the 1965-66 and 1971 campaigns carried out by Luisa Bertacchi match very nicely the results from the contexts taken into account in this paper.