Books by Leonardo Fuduli
The reuse of ancient architectural elements in Sicily is witnessed, with greater or lesser incide... more The reuse of ancient architectural elements in Sicily is witnessed, with greater or lesser incidence, from the Middle Ages to the modern age, and is strictly dependent on the historical-political and socio-economic framework of each era. An analysis of the cases of reuse from the archaeological material shows that there was a lower incidence of reuse during the Early Middle Ages; however, during the Late Middle Ages the number of cases increased significantly, coinciding with the Norman domination. Spolia were placed in the main buildings of highly important cities and the Normans researched and selected these from outside the island. This operation was not without intent but was clearly geared towards tying the crown to Rome and the Pope. In later eras, although in
decreasing proportions, reuse persists in civil and religious architecture, especially through the columns, until it blends into the not always regular, and sometimes bizarre, collections of work, having as its main objective the exhibition of antiquity.
The archaeological site of Nea Paphos is one of the biggest ancient Near Eastern sites, and is ... more The archaeological site of Nea Paphos is one of the biggest ancient Near Eastern sites, and is largely undisturbed of modern building activity. Given its role as the capital of Cyprus during the Ptolemaic rule, the city and its monuments are quite representative of the Hellenistic period in the entire island Research by the Italian Archaeological Mission focused on the northern area of the city, named “Gar- rison’s Camp” brought in light several decorative architectural elements, the majority of whom are disiecta membra.
Data arising from the study of these elements improve our knowledge on Hellenistic architecture in va- rious aspects, not only stylistic, but also mainly historical (i.e. the use of various materials and models, as well as matters concerning the commissioning and construction of the buildings).
Despite the lack of the monuments themselves, or their generally bad condition, which make the ove- rall understanding of the buildings a quite complicated matter, the analysis of the extant elements al- lows one to argue that there were only two peripteros temples in Cyprus during the Hellenistic period, all other temples being in the form of the prostyle in antis. In addition, the monuments display a fusion of architectural orders, while, in several cases, it is possible to detect the revival of past traditions. Much less is known about the actual foundations and the overview of the public buildings of Nea Paphos. While it is impossible to argue about the exact shape of the destroyed buildings, the analysis of the fragments of the architectural decoration shows that elements from various architectural orders were mingled (as for example in the porticoes near Fanari).
The range of architectural orders in function is closely connected with Alexandria. Egyptian influence increases after the Ptolemaic conquest of the island and is visible mainly in the profiles of capitals and mouldings. On the other side, some types of mouldings (such as the Y-shaped frames), depart from Alexandrian models and thus attest the activity of local craftsmen.
In general, the fragments listed in the catalogue show that the three orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) where in use at Nea Paphos. Thus, it is not possible to speak of the decline of the Doric order and of the ascent of the Corinthian order, as is the case in other parts of the Greek World. The three orders were used in about the same percentages. Apparently, this is due to the late introduction of Doric and Corinthian in Cyprus, which was always closely connected to Asia Minor, where the Ionic order was always predominant.
The existence of local workshops, where Alexandrian prototypes are modified, albeit slightly, is certain. In addition, it is possible to detect in Nea Paphos the phenomenon of the reuse of ancient architectural elements in medieval buildings. Likewise, the same phenomenon could apply in other important sites of the island, as well.
Papers by Leonardo Fuduli
Vivendo nas montanhas Zagros na Idade do Ferro (1200-600 AEC): novas investigações no complexo de... more Vivendo nas montanhas Zagros na Idade do Ferro (1200-600 AEC): novas investigações no complexo de assentamentos de Dinka (Rio Zab), região autônoma curda do Iraque Florian Janoscha Kreppner 216 Arqueologia forense e ação forense humanitária em área de conflito armado ativo Rafael de Abreu e Souza SÍRIA 243 A cultura e a civilização urbana na Síria Jezira durante o início da Idade do Bronze Ahamad Serieh 269 Afinal, o que são casas-igrejas? Notas sobre ambientes culturais à luz de três comunidades religiosas da "Wall Street" (Dura-Europos, Síria, século III AEC) André Leonardo Chevitarese e Juliana Cavalcante 287 O Médio Eufrates e sua transformação do século III ao VII EC: o caso de Dibsi Faraj Anna Leone e Alexander Sarantis LÍBANO 332 Uma visão holística da arqueologia do Líbano Hanan Charaf 364 Fenícios e seu processo de expansão no Mediterrâneo Oriental Maria Cristina Kormikiari Passos JORDÂNIA 389 Compreendendo os recursos hídricos de uma cidade da Transjordânia na Longue Durée: o projeto germano-dinamarquês no Bairro Noroeste
Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts Athenische Abteilung , 2020
A group of small churches built during the Middle Byzantine age (12th – 13th century) in the city... more A group of small churches built during the Middle Byzantine age (12th – 13th century) in the city of Athens show several spolia, i.e. reused bases, columns, capitals and frames. These, generally in marble, come from monuments of the ancient city and are placed inside the churches to embellish the most sacred parts of them. In the following paper the spolia will be analysed with particular attention to the new context focusing on the history of the building in which they are located, the chronology of their reuse, trying to understand the reasons for this practice
M. B. Borba Florenzano, Ocupação territorial e definição de fronteiras no Mediterrâneo antigo, 2023
RIVISTA DELL'ISTITUTO NAZIONALE D'ARCHEOLOGIA E STORIA DELL'ARTE, 2020
Archäologischer Anzeiger, 2018/2, 2019
During last decades the archaeological research in Lipari revealed some architectural decorative ... more During last decades the archaeological research in Lipari revealed some architectural decorative Doric elements which are currently kept in the Regional Museum or reused in Medieval buildings. At present, our knowledge of the monumental buildings of ancient Lipára is very scarce; the architectural elements presented here represent the only possibility to learn more on the Hellenistic architecture of the island. Despite the difficulties arising from their fragmentary state and reuse, it is probably that they came from the residential quarter of the ancient city. Moreover, their material, a volcanic stone, testifies the production on the island. From a stylistic point of view, there are several links with Sicily and the East Mediterranean, perhaps attributable to Sicilian craftsmen working in the island.
Babesch 93 (2018), 217-233, 2018
The practice of the reuse of spolia during the Middle and the Modern age is very common in Sicily... more The practice of the reuse of spolia during the Middle and the Modern age is very common in Sicily. In spite of this, the scientific literature is focused on the most famous cases of the phenomenon such as the monumental Norman Cathedrals placed in the western part of the island. On the contrary, a thorough research has shown a remarkable effect of the reuse on the whole region. In addition to this, a reuse in modern and contemporary buildings was observed, in particular in Taormina, strictly linked to the presence of collectors both Sicilian and foreigners.*
Proceedings of the XI international Congress of Egyptologists, Florence 23-30 August 2015, 2017
Research on the architectural decorative elements from the garrison camp of Nea Paphos revealed i... more Research on the architectural decorative elements from the garrison camp of Nea Paphos revealed important data regarding Egyptian influence.
The important role of the island and of Nea Paphos in Ptolemaic times, attested by the literary sources, is highlighted by public architecture
imitating Alexandrian models. In such buildings the decoration assumes the styles of architectural decoration from Hellenistic Egypt with the
use of the Doric order similar to Alexandria, and of peculiar mouldings such as sparrengeisa and the Y-shaped console. It can be surmised that
there were Egyptian workers at the site during the 3rd century BC, and following them a development of local workshops producing mouldings
with peculiar forms.
Quaderni di archeologia , 2016
Mitteilungen des Deutsches Archäologisches Instituts Römische Abteilung, 2016
Due to the lack of epigraphic and literary sources, our knowledge about the architecture of the... more Due to the lack of epigraphic and literary sources, our knowledge about the architecture of the ancient city of Tyndaris during the imperial age is limited. Although we lack any archaeological context , fragments of architectural decoration are currently the only data to the imperial age that attest to a public monumental arrangement of the city. By studying these ornamental fragments, it is possible to conjecture that the city experienced a first monumental phase during the early Imperial age. The building referred to as the Basilica could be chronologically connected to this phase. For later centuries, evidence is scarce. Only the presence of capitals or cornice between the second and the third centuries AD allows us to argue for the existence of monumental buildings.
Revue archéologique, 2015
Data arising from research on the Hellenistic temples of Sicily over the past decade require for ... more Data arising from research on the Hellenistic temples of Sicily over the past decade require for a new synthesis on this commonly neglected topic. Generally, Hellenism in Sicily has been considered as a period of decline in temple architecture. However, analysis of the evidence shows construction of several new temples without any interruption from the 4th cent. BC on. In them we see the reshaping of the Doric order and decline of the peristasis‐temple, which also occur in other parts of the Greek world.The peripteral temples known in Sicily are only two or three, probably due to the continued use of earlier buildings. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data far the architectural decoration, which, to judge from such elements as the ‘Hieronian cyma’ — a local creation looking back to earlier models — displayed considerable originality. The identity of the deities worshipped is hotly debated. Unless new data becomes available from new research, the question must remain open.
Mélanges de l’École Française de Rome, Antiquité, 2015
The short part of the De Vita Hadriani (Historia Augusta) that reports the journey of Hadrian in ... more The short part of the De Vita Hadriani (Historia Augusta) that reports the journey of Hadrian in Sicily, and the coin inscription RESTITVTOR SICILIAE (136 AD series) were both considered by scholars as evidences of the Prince’s munificence toward the island. The emperor may have shown his liberality by promoting building activities on his own money; however this act is not proven neither by literary sources nor by the archaeological and epigraphic data. In light of the semantic analysis of the coin iconography, the coin inscription RESTITVTOR SICILIAE should be read in connection with inscription RESTITVTOR ORBIS TERRARUM (119 -121 AD series) and not as evidence supporting an act of munificence. The archaeological data from Sicily, analyzed in comparison with other provinces of the Empire where the munificence of Hadrian was actually studied on the basis of much archaeological and epigraphic evidence (Asia Minor), are not sufficient to surmised a sure engagement of Hadrian.
P. M. Militello, H. Öniz, Soma 2011. Proceedings of the 15th Symposium on Mediterranean Archaeology, held at the University of Catania March 3-5, March 2011, Bar International Series 2695, Oxford (II), 2015, 2015
Quaderni di archeologia, 2013
Rino D’Andria e Katia Mannino (Edd), GLI ALLIEVI RACCONTANO. Atti dell’incontro di studio per i trent’anni della Scuola di Specializzazione in Beni Archeologici Università del Salento Cavallino (LE) – Convento dei Domenicani 29-30 gennaio 2010 , 2012
Archivio Storico Messinese 93, Società Messinese di Storia Patria, Messina 2012, 2012
FRAMMENTI DI DECORAZIONE ARCHITETTONICA DI ETÀ IMPERIALE DALLA CITTÀ DI MESSINA Il presente lavor... more FRAMMENTI DI DECORAZIONE ARCHITETTONICA DI ETÀ IMPERIALE DALLA CITTÀ DI MESSINA Il presente lavoro si presenta come anticipazione di uno studio molto più vasto sulla decorazione architettonica di età imperiale delle città della Sicilia nord-orientale che rappresenta un'importante occasione per un arricchimento delle conoscenze non solo in merito alle questioni meramente stilistiche, ma anche ad altri aspetti dalle forti implicazioni storiche, quali i commerci dei materiali e le committenze di opere pubbliche 1 .
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Books by Leonardo Fuduli
decreasing proportions, reuse persists in civil and religious architecture, especially through the columns, until it blends into the not always regular, and sometimes bizarre, collections of work, having as its main objective the exhibition of antiquity.
Data arising from the study of these elements improve our knowledge on Hellenistic architecture in va- rious aspects, not only stylistic, but also mainly historical (i.e. the use of various materials and models, as well as matters concerning the commissioning and construction of the buildings).
Despite the lack of the monuments themselves, or their generally bad condition, which make the ove- rall understanding of the buildings a quite complicated matter, the analysis of the extant elements al- lows one to argue that there were only two peripteros temples in Cyprus during the Hellenistic period, all other temples being in the form of the prostyle in antis. In addition, the monuments display a fusion of architectural orders, while, in several cases, it is possible to detect the revival of past traditions. Much less is known about the actual foundations and the overview of the public buildings of Nea Paphos. While it is impossible to argue about the exact shape of the destroyed buildings, the analysis of the fragments of the architectural decoration shows that elements from various architectural orders were mingled (as for example in the porticoes near Fanari).
The range of architectural orders in function is closely connected with Alexandria. Egyptian influence increases after the Ptolemaic conquest of the island and is visible mainly in the profiles of capitals and mouldings. On the other side, some types of mouldings (such as the Y-shaped frames), depart from Alexandrian models and thus attest the activity of local craftsmen.
In general, the fragments listed in the catalogue show that the three orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) where in use at Nea Paphos. Thus, it is not possible to speak of the decline of the Doric order and of the ascent of the Corinthian order, as is the case in other parts of the Greek World. The three orders were used in about the same percentages. Apparently, this is due to the late introduction of Doric and Corinthian in Cyprus, which was always closely connected to Asia Minor, where the Ionic order was always predominant.
The existence of local workshops, where Alexandrian prototypes are modified, albeit slightly, is certain. In addition, it is possible to detect in Nea Paphos the phenomenon of the reuse of ancient architectural elements in medieval buildings. Likewise, the same phenomenon could apply in other important sites of the island, as well.
Papers by Leonardo Fuduli
The important role of the island and of Nea Paphos in Ptolemaic times, attested by the literary sources, is highlighted by public architecture
imitating Alexandrian models. In such buildings the decoration assumes the styles of architectural decoration from Hellenistic Egypt with the
use of the Doric order similar to Alexandria, and of peculiar mouldings such as sparrengeisa and the Y-shaped console. It can be surmised that
there were Egyptian workers at the site during the 3rd century BC, and following them a development of local workshops producing mouldings
with peculiar forms.
decreasing proportions, reuse persists in civil and religious architecture, especially through the columns, until it blends into the not always regular, and sometimes bizarre, collections of work, having as its main objective the exhibition of antiquity.
Data arising from the study of these elements improve our knowledge on Hellenistic architecture in va- rious aspects, not only stylistic, but also mainly historical (i.e. the use of various materials and models, as well as matters concerning the commissioning and construction of the buildings).
Despite the lack of the monuments themselves, or their generally bad condition, which make the ove- rall understanding of the buildings a quite complicated matter, the analysis of the extant elements al- lows one to argue that there were only two peripteros temples in Cyprus during the Hellenistic period, all other temples being in the form of the prostyle in antis. In addition, the monuments display a fusion of architectural orders, while, in several cases, it is possible to detect the revival of past traditions. Much less is known about the actual foundations and the overview of the public buildings of Nea Paphos. While it is impossible to argue about the exact shape of the destroyed buildings, the analysis of the fragments of the architectural decoration shows that elements from various architectural orders were mingled (as for example in the porticoes near Fanari).
The range of architectural orders in function is closely connected with Alexandria. Egyptian influence increases after the Ptolemaic conquest of the island and is visible mainly in the profiles of capitals and mouldings. On the other side, some types of mouldings (such as the Y-shaped frames), depart from Alexandrian models and thus attest the activity of local craftsmen.
In general, the fragments listed in the catalogue show that the three orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) where in use at Nea Paphos. Thus, it is not possible to speak of the decline of the Doric order and of the ascent of the Corinthian order, as is the case in other parts of the Greek World. The three orders were used in about the same percentages. Apparently, this is due to the late introduction of Doric and Corinthian in Cyprus, which was always closely connected to Asia Minor, where the Ionic order was always predominant.
The existence of local workshops, where Alexandrian prototypes are modified, albeit slightly, is certain. In addition, it is possible to detect in Nea Paphos the phenomenon of the reuse of ancient architectural elements in medieval buildings. Likewise, the same phenomenon could apply in other important sites of the island, as well.
The important role of the island and of Nea Paphos in Ptolemaic times, attested by the literary sources, is highlighted by public architecture
imitating Alexandrian models. In such buildings the decoration assumes the styles of architectural decoration from Hellenistic Egypt with the
use of the Doric order similar to Alexandria, and of peculiar mouldings such as sparrengeisa and the Y-shaped console. It can be surmised that
there were Egyptian workers at the site during the 3rd century BC, and following them a development of local workshops producing mouldings
with peculiar forms.
poor, both due to the lack of studies on the subject and even more so due to the interpretative
problems stemming from the archaeological evidence. The only building for which it
is possible to piece together the academic debate is the so-called Basilica at Tyndaris, for
which several theories concerning its origin, typology and chronology have been argued.
In fact, the construction technique, the plan of the building and its architectural decoration
make it one of the most problematic buildings on the island.
Beginning with a review of the case of Tyndaris, this paper aims to provide an overview
of the basilicas on Sicily by assessing the previous archaeological data and other sources.
Buildings that have not yet been sufficiently analyzed under this point of view, such as
the stoa-basilica of the agora of Alaesa and the alleged basilica at Monte Iato, will also be
taken into consideration. The purpose of this study is to highlight the architectural and
decorative peculiarities in order to frame them within the larger Mediterranean context.
analysis due to the vicissitudes that interested it in the phases of abandonment and rediscovery in the 16th
century. The reading of the data deriving from the archaeological discoveries together with the historical and
epigraphic sources, allows a reconstruction of the history of the abandonment of the site, the spoliation of the
monuments and the re-use of the ancient materials from the archaeological site.
Such analysis allows to gather useful information aimed to read many aspects of the use of the architectural orders in the whole island and, at the same time, it allows to underline the connection between the architecture and the power of the Ptolemies.
São chamados spolia os materiais ou elementos decorativos de edifícios da antiguidade clássica reutilizados em monumentos medievais o modernos. Eles representam um importante fragmento do mundo antigo que continuam sobrevivendo em um contexto novo em que assumem um significado e, às vezes, uma forma diferente. Por causa das transformações e dos muitos deslocamentos de tais materiais, é quase sempre impossível repercorrer diacronicamente o percurso de alguns deles. Apesar disso, uma análise estilística e arqueométrica atenta pode ser uma maneira para interpretar e compreender a reutilização. Os estudos dos últimos trinta anos demonstram a grande importância dos spolia como documento arqueológico e histórico, capaz de providenciar dados sobre monumentos e estilos. Alguns exemplos estudados na Sicília permitiram analisar os diferentes casos de reutilização dos spolia como simples materiais de construção ou com significado ideológico.