Chapter The Latium coast from Ostia to Circeo: settlement dynamics in a peculiar context

Abstract

The contribution aims to investigate the settlement dynamics of the Latium coastal stretch of approximately 100 kilometres between Ostia and Circeo. This is a strip characterized by peculiar geomorphological and hydrographic features which have determined the outcomes of settlement dynamics starting from prehistoric times. After the protohistoric settlement process, also defined by the presence of watercourses and basins, the Latin cities developed in the coastal and para-coastal strip and found their economic basis on the control of the landings. Coastal basins and their landing places and watercourses are fundamental elements in the definition of economic processes and territorial control. The fundamental caesura of the settlement process for this area is 338 BC. The Roman conquest determined a series of dynamics that will be highlighted in the contribution proposed in the light of the relationships of the urban centres with Rome and with each other. Finally, an example on the settlement dynamics of the southernmost district is presented. It is the area historically known as Palus Pontina characterized by a greater thinning out of settlements and by peculiar dynamics.