In search of the secrets of a
pottery of the Roman Empire in
Gata
The University of Alicante and the
Museum of Xàbia carry out the
second excavation in the La Rana
field in search of the structures of
a second century building that was
used to manufacture amphoras with
which the wine produced in the area
was packaged
The
second
archaeological
excavation campaign has begun in
the Roman site La Rana de Gata that
will be carried out by the University
of Alicante and the Museum of
Xàbia. The first excavation, carried
out last year, showed the value of
the site. The excavation area is being
extended as is the timespan. For
four weeks, different students of the
History and Archeology Department
of the university will work in the site,
coordinated by a research team from
the Museum xabienc.
Explorations carried out more than
two decades ago by the director of the
Museum of Xàbia, Joaquim Bolufer,
proved the existence of a Roman
pottery dedicated to the production
of amphoras to pack wine, as well as
construction material and common
ceramics. This pottery centre, which
was in operation during the II and III
centuries A.D., could be related to the
nearby Roman village of Els Eclés.
Among the main objectives of
the excavations is to establish and
document the location of structures
belonging to the pottery centre. The
research team wants to learn more
about the production of amphorae.
Wine produced in this area, near
the Roman city of Dianium (Denia),
was exported to different parts of the
Roman Empire. .
The excavations of the present
campaign will be directed by J. Bolufer
(Museum of Xàbia) and D. Mateo
and J. Molina (of the University of
Alicante). And its financing will be
borne by the City Council of Gata de
Gorgos and the university itself. As
well as local school visits there will be
an open day for the public scheduled
for Sunday, February 17, guided by
members of the research team.