CLaRMaV · Coastal Landscapes and Roman Maritime Villas: A Comparative Regional Study of Architectural Models and Environmental Settings

Coastal heritage is increasingly at risk from both natural and man-made factors, and is therefore crucial to document it before it disappears. Maritime villas, a common feature of the Roman Mediterranean, are very important for understanding the development of ancient urbanisation and architectural forms, the interaction between humans and the environment, and the use of natural resources. Yet, an overall study looking at the architecture of Roman maritime villas in the Mediterranean regions and how they impacted on, and were shaped by, their local environments is lacking. CLaRMaV will investigate the typology of Roman maritime villas across the Mediterranean Basin (2nd century BC-6th century AD). It will do so by studying the architectural models adopted and developed in the various regions; the prevailing trends over time; the use of individual architectural spaces; and the role of these villas in the local economy. The project will focus on the dialogue between domestic architecture and the environment and look at the use of available natural resources. Special attention will be given to water usage and to whether any water-saving measures were put in place to address its scarcity in some regions. This project, with its multidisciplinary nature, will contribute to the knowledge of the architectural, environmental, and socio-economic histories of the Roman Empire. By incorporating in its methodology the use of GIS and 3-D reconstructions, the resulting outputs will be of use to archaeological sites and museums, both in managing the sites and in offering educational resources to visitors. The coastal environments occupied by ancient maritime villas are seriously impacted by coastal erosion, rising sea levels due to climate change, and anthropic actions. Therefore, it is vital to systematically record and study these structures. The data generated by the project will be useful to local authorities in charge of preservation of coastal heritage and urban planning.