Marco D'Agostino
Marco D'Agostino, graduated ”cum laude” in 1985 at the University "La Sapienza" of Rome in Medieval Archaeology, received his graduate specialization degree “cum laude” in the same discipline with one of the first thesis in Italy on post-classical underwater and nautical archeology.
He became professional archaeologist in 1986 and from that year, he personally directed a lot of archaeological interventions in several Italy regions in collaboration with the italian Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Particularly he has worked in almost all environments characteristic of underwater archeology: lake, river, sea and lagoon.
Among the various sites, He was able to direct the excavation of a Catalan “Nau” of Columbian age in Villasimius (Sardinia), the intervention on the “Wreck of the glass” in front of Venice, the recovery of medieval and post-medieval important ceramics in the Adige River, the recovery of monoxyles in the Oglio river, the excavation of important Bronze Age villages in the lakes of northern Italy. In addition, dozens of excavations and surveys in the Venice lagoon, where he made some important discoveries: the first wreck of a medieval galley and the structures of a II cent. A.D Roman building still partially underwater.
He worked continuously for 25 years in the Venetian lagoon as underwater archaeologist of the Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport, for verification of the archaeological impact of the great works for the lagoon Safeguard. He has also directed all archaeological surveys supporting the works for the “MOSE” system.
In the 2001 (summer) he directed the important works of excavation and photogrammetric survey of medieval wrecks (galley and rascona) which he identified in 1997 in the sunken island of San Marco in Boccalama, always in Venice lagoon. As already mentioned these are exceptional discoveries, object of interest of the worldwide media.
Between 2003-2012 He was Lecturer in Underwater Archaeology at the University of Padua.
He became professional archaeologist in 1986 and from that year, he personally directed a lot of archaeological interventions in several Italy regions in collaboration with the italian Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Particularly he has worked in almost all environments characteristic of underwater archeology: lake, river, sea and lagoon.
Among the various sites, He was able to direct the excavation of a Catalan “Nau” of Columbian age in Villasimius (Sardinia), the intervention on the “Wreck of the glass” in front of Venice, the recovery of medieval and post-medieval important ceramics in the Adige River, the recovery of monoxyles in the Oglio river, the excavation of important Bronze Age villages in the lakes of northern Italy. In addition, dozens of excavations and surveys in the Venice lagoon, where he made some important discoveries: the first wreck of a medieval galley and the structures of a II cent. A.D Roman building still partially underwater.
He worked continuously for 25 years in the Venetian lagoon as underwater archaeologist of the Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport, for verification of the archaeological impact of the great works for the lagoon Safeguard. He has also directed all archaeological surveys supporting the works for the “MOSE” system.
In the 2001 (summer) he directed the important works of excavation and photogrammetric survey of medieval wrecks (galley and rascona) which he identified in 1997 in the sunken island of San Marco in Boccalama, always in Venice lagoon. As already mentioned these are exceptional discoveries, object of interest of the worldwide media.
Between 2003-2012 He was Lecturer in Underwater Archaeology at the University of Padua.
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Papers by Marco D'Agostino
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La storia meravigliosa e triste della chitarra, costruita da Luigi Mozzani, che il più grande chitarrista classico di tutti i tempi probabilmente impiegò in concerto durante la parte iniziale della sua tournée in USA del 1937. Lo strumento, scomparso nel nulla da quell'anno, si è materializzato recentemente, fornendo anche l'occasione per ricordare il genio multiforme di Luigi Mozzani, per molti versi precursore dello stesso Segovia.
Keywords: Cast Iron Gun, 32 pounder, Armstrong pattern, Venice, MoSE system, Malamocco, King George II, King George III,
68 pounder, Dundas pattern, Tallachini, von Bruck.
This paper aims to present the results of the study of the wreck called “Capo Bianco B” found in the “Capo Rizzuto” Marine Protected Area (Crotone- Italy). The underwater archaeological site is characterised by the presence of nine cast iron guns. At the moment no evidence of the hull has been observed. The paper presents the geological descriptions of the site and the analysis of the cannons. Finally, the Authors propose their opinion regards the functions of these cannons, which, given the studies of other similar findings, is proposed as a probable ballast or part of the cargo.
The Roman harbor of Egnazia is certainly one of the most interesting examples of this type of ancient architecture. Although some construction aspects remain not yet clear, due to the conditions of conservation, it’s evident that its life cycle was long, a fact also demonstrated by the archaeological finds on the acropolis represented, above all, by a Byzantine fortress built there in the 6th century. It’s in fact conceivable that its function was defensive towards the underlying port, probably during the reorganization phase of the imperial maritime limes of those years. These fortifications on the sea were certainly not designed to control the territory behind them, but to create a maritime garrison network established directly along the coast and clearly visible from the sea.
An aspect, never before addressed in the context of the studies on Egnazia, is represented by medieval cartography. After being cited by Guidone in the 12th century as oppida in silvis, the ancient Messapian city appears, as Annaso or Ananso, in the first nautical cartography of the 14th century. This recurring presence in the nautical atlases seems to confirm the use of the port even in the Middle Ages. This use, not quantifiable at the moment, could be connected to the nearby and powerful Benedictine abbey of S. Stefano which, thanks to the widespread ports of the Apulian coasts, managed the important business of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
Sigismondo Alberghetti V (c. 1656 - 1702) was one of the most important cannon founders of the Venice Republic. He’s especially remembered for the invention of a cannon-howitzer of great destructive power which anticipated similar weapons introduced, many years later, by the Russians and French.
In 1679, when Venice intended to start producing cast iron guns for its “Armata Grossa” in its own territory, He designed a 20 “libbre sottili veneziane” iron naval cannon for a new foundry set up in Caltrano (Vicenza). This is the first graphic drawing of a Venetian cast iron gun with a reference scale.
This weapon, apart from some aesthetic components as the cascabel, is clearly inspired by contemporary English models, in particular the iron culverins. This, moreover, seems quite obvious if We think that the British were the undisputed masters, together with the Swedes, for the production of iron artillery and that Venice often bought cast iron guns produced by English artisans.
1715). An Archaeological and Archival Study. The so-called
“Cannon Shipwreck” was discovered in 2003 near the entry to
the port of Malamocco in front of Venice. In 2005 and 2006
it was the subject of two archaeological campaigns. Through
archival research it was possible to identify it as the Croce Rossa
(1698-1715) a first rank Venetian vessel which had sunk at the
entry to the harbor during a storm. In this paper we have dealt
with the documentary and archaeological aspects of the artillery
mounted on the Croce Rossa during the period when it was in
operation. This research demonstrated that at the time it was
launched and during the first War of Morea in which it participated,
the ship was equipped with sixty-eight bronze and iron
cannons including the ingenious “new discovery” heavy artillery
invented by Sigismondo Alberghetti. As part of the weaponry
there were also twelve bronze 6 venetian “libbre sottili” swivel
guns. At the time of the sinking which occurred in November
of 1715, due to the poor condition of the hull, there were only
thirty-nine cannons left on board, most of which were recovered
after the sinking. During the archaeological excavation four iron
cannons were found, two of which were recovered and restored.
Both of these cannons were of English manufacture. The first
was identified as a demi culverin 9 pounder (14 Venetian libbre
sottili) which had originally been produced for the English State,
while the second one is a 20 venetian “libbre sottili” made by the
British foundry of Thomas Western for the Venetians. In fact, it
is marked with the “leon in moleca” in relief which meant that
it was the property of the Venetian Republic.
A providential event recently led to the identification of a painting by Luigi Querena (1824-1887) detailing the naval war episode that occurred before Caorle in the most important year of the Italian Risorgimento. Since the painting is enriched by a detailed technical detail of the ships involved in the brawl it does suggest a direct knowledge of the facts by the Venetian painter.
An objective examination of the artwork and a detailed comparison with photos and different paintings representing the same ships is supporting the extreme truthfulness of this painting.
The underwater surveys have confirmed three areas of finds along the San Felice canal. Area 2 consists of a quadrangular elevated room (9 x 10 m), built in sesquipedal bricks. Inside, filled with debris, a well was later found.. The complex has been interpreted as a “Venetian well” ante litteram. The environment is a decanting cistern which, through a filter made up of sand and river pebbles, was used to purify the water that used to flow into the well.
This archaeological site has been subject of surveys, stratigraphic investigations and an underwater restoration carried out between 1998 and 2002. The well was investigated in 2003. The whole structure was built around the second half of the 1st century AD or early 2nd century. As reported by an Axis of Emperor Philip the Arab, found in the stratigraphy of the utilization of the well, the life cycle of this structure seems to end towards the middle of the 3rd century AD.
The cistern-well is located near the remains of a very important “Villa Maritima”, and there is certainly a connection between the two constructions. It is also possible that the cistern-well served as “water supply” for the ships navigating inland along the Fossa.
1) The creation of a web-portal for the Museo Virtuale dell’Archeologia Subacquea where annotated images and 3D models will illustrate artefacts recovered from submerged sites and now housed in museums, and the underwater sites that are the focus of the project.
2) The implementation of an advanced exploration system at the submerged archaeological sites of Baia and Egnazia.
3) The development of a network of innovative sensors that can be deployed flexibly to monitor the environment, the condition of submerged sites and the location of divers.
A number of archaeologically significant locations in Southern Italy have been selected as test sites, in Campania, Puglia (Apulia) and Calabria. In this presentation we will give an update about the activities carried on in Egnazia (Puglia), Kaulonia (Calabria) and in the underwater park of Baiae, in the Gulf of Naples
Along the coast of ancient Kaulonìa (Monasterace - RC) in
the 90s of the last century 5 cast iron cannons were found, one of which was recovered and deposited at the nearby Archaeological Museum.
These heavy weapons, situated in two separate groups 82 meters apart, date back to the 17th century but the reasons for their presence in these waters are not clear because they do not come from a wreck.
On their presence in this important archaeological site two hypotheses are made:
1) A document of 1638 recalls the aggression of a Barbaresque fleet to a sailing ship of unknown nationality near Monasterace. After the looting the ship was stripped of the heavy artillery by the local population and the Prince of Monasterace made a request to the Viceroy of Spain for the cannons to be used for the defense of the castle.
2) It’s assumed that the cannons came from the nearby Stilo foundries which also produced heavy weapons in the 17th century. It is indeed possible, thanks to the analysis of some medieval and modern documents, that a basic landing place was still present in the area.
The dimensions of these cannons are compared with some contemporary documents.
In situ conservation strategies are also proposed as the electrolytic method.
Conference presentations and Talks by Marco D'Agostino
Books by Marco D'Agostino
Un caso esemplare è rappresentato dai relitti della Regia Marina Militare affondati nel mare antistante Venezia, dei quali vengono presentate le singole schede con un taglio archeologico-documentario e una bibliografia sistematizzata. In particolare ne sono state trattate la storia, con riferimenti agli eventi post naufragio, e le loro caratteristiche costruttive con approfondimenti sugli armamenti.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
La storia meravigliosa e triste della chitarra, costruita da Luigi Mozzani, che il più grande chitarrista classico di tutti i tempi probabilmente impiegò in concerto durante la parte iniziale della sua tournée in USA del 1937. Lo strumento, scomparso nel nulla da quell'anno, si è materializzato recentemente, fornendo anche l'occasione per ricordare il genio multiforme di Luigi Mozzani, per molti versi precursore dello stesso Segovia.
Keywords: Cast Iron Gun, 32 pounder, Armstrong pattern, Venice, MoSE system, Malamocco, King George II, King George III,
68 pounder, Dundas pattern, Tallachini, von Bruck.
This paper aims to present the results of the study of the wreck called “Capo Bianco B” found in the “Capo Rizzuto” Marine Protected Area (Crotone- Italy). The underwater archaeological site is characterised by the presence of nine cast iron guns. At the moment no evidence of the hull has been observed. The paper presents the geological descriptions of the site and the analysis of the cannons. Finally, the Authors propose their opinion regards the functions of these cannons, which, given the studies of other similar findings, is proposed as a probable ballast or part of the cargo.
The Roman harbor of Egnazia is certainly one of the most interesting examples of this type of ancient architecture. Although some construction aspects remain not yet clear, due to the conditions of conservation, it’s evident that its life cycle was long, a fact also demonstrated by the archaeological finds on the acropolis represented, above all, by a Byzantine fortress built there in the 6th century. It’s in fact conceivable that its function was defensive towards the underlying port, probably during the reorganization phase of the imperial maritime limes of those years. These fortifications on the sea were certainly not designed to control the territory behind them, but to create a maritime garrison network established directly along the coast and clearly visible from the sea.
An aspect, never before addressed in the context of the studies on Egnazia, is represented by medieval cartography. After being cited by Guidone in the 12th century as oppida in silvis, the ancient Messapian city appears, as Annaso or Ananso, in the first nautical cartography of the 14th century. This recurring presence in the nautical atlases seems to confirm the use of the port even in the Middle Ages. This use, not quantifiable at the moment, could be connected to the nearby and powerful Benedictine abbey of S. Stefano which, thanks to the widespread ports of the Apulian coasts, managed the important business of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
Sigismondo Alberghetti V (c. 1656 - 1702) was one of the most important cannon founders of the Venice Republic. He’s especially remembered for the invention of a cannon-howitzer of great destructive power which anticipated similar weapons introduced, many years later, by the Russians and French.
In 1679, when Venice intended to start producing cast iron guns for its “Armata Grossa” in its own territory, He designed a 20 “libbre sottili veneziane” iron naval cannon for a new foundry set up in Caltrano (Vicenza). This is the first graphic drawing of a Venetian cast iron gun with a reference scale.
This weapon, apart from some aesthetic components as the cascabel, is clearly inspired by contemporary English models, in particular the iron culverins. This, moreover, seems quite obvious if We think that the British were the undisputed masters, together with the Swedes, for the production of iron artillery and that Venice often bought cast iron guns produced by English artisans.
1715). An Archaeological and Archival Study. The so-called
“Cannon Shipwreck” was discovered in 2003 near the entry to
the port of Malamocco in front of Venice. In 2005 and 2006
it was the subject of two archaeological campaigns. Through
archival research it was possible to identify it as the Croce Rossa
(1698-1715) a first rank Venetian vessel which had sunk at the
entry to the harbor during a storm. In this paper we have dealt
with the documentary and archaeological aspects of the artillery
mounted on the Croce Rossa during the period when it was in
operation. This research demonstrated that at the time it was
launched and during the first War of Morea in which it participated,
the ship was equipped with sixty-eight bronze and iron
cannons including the ingenious “new discovery” heavy artillery
invented by Sigismondo Alberghetti. As part of the weaponry
there were also twelve bronze 6 venetian “libbre sottili” swivel
guns. At the time of the sinking which occurred in November
of 1715, due to the poor condition of the hull, there were only
thirty-nine cannons left on board, most of which were recovered
after the sinking. During the archaeological excavation four iron
cannons were found, two of which were recovered and restored.
Both of these cannons were of English manufacture. The first
was identified as a demi culverin 9 pounder (14 Venetian libbre
sottili) which had originally been produced for the English State,
while the second one is a 20 venetian “libbre sottili” made by the
British foundry of Thomas Western for the Venetians. In fact, it
is marked with the “leon in moleca” in relief which meant that
it was the property of the Venetian Republic.
A providential event recently led to the identification of a painting by Luigi Querena (1824-1887) detailing the naval war episode that occurred before Caorle in the most important year of the Italian Risorgimento. Since the painting is enriched by a detailed technical detail of the ships involved in the brawl it does suggest a direct knowledge of the facts by the Venetian painter.
An objective examination of the artwork and a detailed comparison with photos and different paintings representing the same ships is supporting the extreme truthfulness of this painting.
The underwater surveys have confirmed three areas of finds along the San Felice canal. Area 2 consists of a quadrangular elevated room (9 x 10 m), built in sesquipedal bricks. Inside, filled with debris, a well was later found.. The complex has been interpreted as a “Venetian well” ante litteram. The environment is a decanting cistern which, through a filter made up of sand and river pebbles, was used to purify the water that used to flow into the well.
This archaeological site has been subject of surveys, stratigraphic investigations and an underwater restoration carried out between 1998 and 2002. The well was investigated in 2003. The whole structure was built around the second half of the 1st century AD or early 2nd century. As reported by an Axis of Emperor Philip the Arab, found in the stratigraphy of the utilization of the well, the life cycle of this structure seems to end towards the middle of the 3rd century AD.
The cistern-well is located near the remains of a very important “Villa Maritima”, and there is certainly a connection between the two constructions. It is also possible that the cistern-well served as “water supply” for the ships navigating inland along the Fossa.
1) The creation of a web-portal for the Museo Virtuale dell’Archeologia Subacquea where annotated images and 3D models will illustrate artefacts recovered from submerged sites and now housed in museums, and the underwater sites that are the focus of the project.
2) The implementation of an advanced exploration system at the submerged archaeological sites of Baia and Egnazia.
3) The development of a network of innovative sensors that can be deployed flexibly to monitor the environment, the condition of submerged sites and the location of divers.
A number of archaeologically significant locations in Southern Italy have been selected as test sites, in Campania, Puglia (Apulia) and Calabria. In this presentation we will give an update about the activities carried on in Egnazia (Puglia), Kaulonia (Calabria) and in the underwater park of Baiae, in the Gulf of Naples
Along the coast of ancient Kaulonìa (Monasterace - RC) in
the 90s of the last century 5 cast iron cannons were found, one of which was recovered and deposited at the nearby Archaeological Museum.
These heavy weapons, situated in two separate groups 82 meters apart, date back to the 17th century but the reasons for their presence in these waters are not clear because they do not come from a wreck.
On their presence in this important archaeological site two hypotheses are made:
1) A document of 1638 recalls the aggression of a Barbaresque fleet to a sailing ship of unknown nationality near Monasterace. After the looting the ship was stripped of the heavy artillery by the local population and the Prince of Monasterace made a request to the Viceroy of Spain for the cannons to be used for the defense of the castle.
2) It’s assumed that the cannons came from the nearby Stilo foundries which also produced heavy weapons in the 17th century. It is indeed possible, thanks to the analysis of some medieval and modern documents, that a basic landing place was still present in the area.
The dimensions of these cannons are compared with some contemporary documents.
In situ conservation strategies are also proposed as the electrolytic method.
Un caso esemplare è rappresentato dai relitti della Regia Marina Militare affondati nel mare antistante Venezia, dei quali vengono presentate le singole schede con un taglio archeologico-documentario e una bibliografia sistematizzata. In particolare ne sono state trattate la storia, con riferimenti agli eventi post naufragio, e le loro caratteristiche costruttive con approfondimenti sugli armamenti.