Saepinum (Altilia Archaeological Site)
Molise
Saepinum, located near modern Sepino in Molise, Italy, is an ancient archaeological site that was originally a Samnite town before becoming a Roman municipium. The site lies on a strategic ancient road connecting Beneventum to Corfinium, highlighting its historical importance in regional trade and military routes. Its well-preserved city walls, built in opus reticulatum during the reign of Tiberius around 2 BC to 4 AD, enclose an area of approximately 12 hectares and feature four monumental gates flanked by circular towers. Excavations have uncovered remains of a theatre, temples dedicated to Jupiter and Apollo, and a recently revealed domus with a monumental entrance on the decumanus maximus. The city walls demonstrate advanced Roman military engineering with solid limestone masonry and a patrol path atop. Saepinum was abandoned by the 4th century AD, with tombs found within the walls, and later taken by Saracens in 882. Ongoing archaeological work since 2010 has progressively uncovered much of the urban fabric, providing insight into the town's layout, social structure, and economic significance in ancient times. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to Roman urban planning and military architecture in south-central Italy.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit Saepinum during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets or guided tours beforehand to enhance understanding of the site's history. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain and extensive ruins. Guided tours offer valuable insights into the site's historical and archaeological significance.
Interesting facts
- •Saepinum's city walls are built using opus reticulatum technique with Matese limestone blocks shaped like small pyramids.
- •The site includes four monumental gates, each flanked by circular towers about seven meters in diameter and eleven meters high.
- •An important Roman inscription dating to approximately 168 AD forbids locals from harming shepherds passing along the tratture (ancient pastoral paths).
- •Recent excavations in 2023 uncovered an exceptional domus with a monumental entrance onto the decumanus maximus, shedding new light on urban life.
- •The walls feature a patrol path at the top and were designed with advanced military engineering principles, including defensive slits and windows in the towers.
History
Saepinum was originally a Samnite settlement located on a mountain, with Cyclopean masonry remnants still visible.
It was conquered by the Romans in 293 BC, who established a new town with fortified walls constructed during the reign of Tiberius between 2 BC and 4 AD.
The town flourished due to its strategic location on important trade routes connecting the Sannio Pentro region with neighboring territories.
By the 4th century AD, Saepinum was largely abandoned, as indicated by tombs within the city walls.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the site was taken by Saracens in 882 AD.
Archaeological excavations have since revealed the well-preserved urban structure and monumental gates that marked the city's entrances.
Place Guide
City Walls and Towers2 BC - 4 AD
The city walls, constructed in opus reticulatum with Matese limestone, are remarkably well preserved and feature a patrol path. Nineteen circular towers remain visible, protruding both inside and outside the walls, providing defensive coverage with small slits and windows.
Monumental Gates2 BC - 4 AD
Four monumental gates punctuate the city walls, marking the main entrances along the cardo and decumanus, the principal Roman streets. These gates symbolized Roman power and urban order, serving both defensive and ceremonial functions.
Theatre and TemplesRoman period, approx. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Within the city walls lie the remains of a Roman theatre and temples dedicated to Jupiter and Apollo, reflecting the cultural and religious life of Saepinum's inhabitants.
Domus with Monumental EntranceUncertain, Roman period
A recently discovered domus features a grand entrance onto the decumanus maximus, offering insights into the urban residential architecture and the lifestyle of elite inhabitants.
Contact
Phone: 0874 790207
