Public engagement e valorizzazione del patrimonio archeologico

The University of Ferrara contributed to the Interreg Italy- Croatia VALUE project with public engagement and archaeological heritage enhancement activities. Much attention was dedicated to raising the younger generation’s awareness of the territory through an understanding of the delicate, long-term relationship among humans, the territory, and its resources.; how local environmental conditions favored the rise and fall of Spina, one of the most important Etruscan centers; and lastly, how the territory’s hydraulic control facilitated important Roman settlements and villas. Educational units were developed and delivered remotely to schools during the Covid-19 lockdown by the young researchers involved in the project. Two puzzle-game booklets with colorable cartoons were prepared for younger children. A multidisciplinary approach was used to investigate the site of the Roman villa of Bocca delle Menate, located on the eastern bank of the Padus in its final stretch. Its historical topographical and geomorphological background was reconstructed through archival research and field investigations: a drone survey, geophysical surveys, and surface reconnaissance. The environmental analysis was planned through educational and training activities open to students involved in the field activities and townspeople, who were thus able to trace the site’s history and understand theresearch activities. Meetings with towns-people at the site and the Museum of the Ancient Delta sought their involvement in interpreting the meaning and value of the findings.