S. Maria d’Anglona. The Archaeological Investigations and the Site Topography

The settlement of Anglona (Basilicata - IT) is located on top of a hill bordered on the northern and southern sides by the two rivers Agri and Sinni. It is a natural acropolis in a strategic position for controlling the surrounding river corridors, the main roads and, therefore, also the trade between the Ionian coast (Policoro area) and the hinterland. Precisely because of its strategic position, which allows control of the surrounding area, and thanks to the various archaeological discoveries made on the hill, it has been possible to identify the site of Anglona with the Pandosìa lucana of the classical age. The most recent archaeological investigations were first conducted by the Superintendency of Basilicata and then by the University of Basilicata (excavations are still ongoing on the west side and surveys are being carried out on the rest of the hilltop). So far, there is evidence of settlements from the Bronze Age and early Iron Age, as well as archaic levels and the agricultural village of Pandosìa, as evidenced by the discovery of various artefacts and dwellings from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, with a possible reduction in settlement in the 2nd–1st centuries BC. The last significant occupation was during the medieval period, with the presence of various religious and civil structures. These include the majestic cathedral of Anglona with its frescoes, the settlement extending over the central plateau of the hill and the fort at the western end, all documented by recent diagnostic surveys and archaeological research.