Lecture by Eric Del Fabbro

Eric Del Fabbro (Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Greek and Roman Studies, McMaster University), “Settlement dynamics in the ancient chora of Metaponto”.

From the 6^th to 3^rd centuries BCE, the Greek polis of Metaponto in southern Italy enjoyed great prosperity thanks to the fertility of its countryside, which was ideally suited for cereal cultivation. Archaeological field survey has identified hundreds of sites in this period: farmsteads, necropoleis, sanctuaries, and workshops, all testifying to how the countryside was a dynamic and thriving environment. This presentation will discuss the results of the field survey from one half of the countryside, drawing upon unpublished legacy data to offer a diachronic overview of rural settlement patterns. From a few isolated inhabitants in the Archaic period, the chora experiences a boom in the Classical and Hellenistic periods as many more farmsteads appear, taking advantage of the fertile soils to cultivate cereals. The inhabitants of the countryside were active agents in shaping the landscape to better suit their needs, and their success is reflected in the ability to acquire expensive fine ceramics for feasting and celebration. This prosperity continued even through the political upheavals of the 3^rd century, but with changes in social organization. A few wealthy families gained control over larger swathes of territory, resulting in the abandonment of small farmsteads in favour of estates geared towards the production of cash crops.

Live-stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSrv84otrtE