Falerii Novi and the Via Amerina

Abstract

Recent analysis of the results of the Ground-Penetrating Radar survey of Falerii Novi provides new perspectives on the relationship between the planned town and the via Amerina. Although it has long been suggested that the foundation of the new town in 241BC was linked to the construction of the road, this assumption has been questioned by Filippo Coarelli who maintains that the road is of greater antiquity. However, in this interpretation, the integration of the road with the street grid seems problematic. This paper will use the geophysical survey data and recent field observation to propose a new interpretation of both the history of the via Amerina and the development of the Roman town.