Roman Town Interamna Lirenas Thrived 300 Years Longer Than Believed, Rewriting Historical Narratives

Recent archaeological findings in central Italy have dramatically reshaped understanding of the Roman town of Interamna Lirenas, revealing it flourished for centuries longer than previously assumed. A 13-year project by the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Alessandro Launaro, concluded that the town remained a thriving center well into the 3rd century AD, defying earlier beliefs of its decline by the 1st century BC. This significant discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the resilience and eventual fate of many average Roman settlements.

The extensive archaeological survey, covering 60 acres, unveiled a detailed urban landscape that includes a large, roofed theatre with a capacity of 1,500 seats, multiple market locations, and substantial warehouses, one measuring 40 by 12 meters. Evidence also points to the existence of a vital river port and three well-maintained bath complexes. These structures indicate a sophisticated and active urban center, far from the "backwater" status previously attributed to it.

Researchers utilized a combination of geophysical surveys and targeted excavations to map the town's features. The re-evaluation of Interamna Lirenas's history stemmed from analyzing common ware pottery, rather than solely focusing on imported luxury goods, which had led to the earlier misinterpretation of its decline. This shift in methodology allowed archaeologists to accurately track citizen movement and economic activity, demonstrating the town's self-sufficiency.

Professor Launaro emphasized the broader implications of the findings, stating, "We’re not saying that this town was special, it’s far more exciting than that. We think many other average Roman towns in Italy were just as resilient." This suggests a need to re-evaluate the historical narratives of numerous other Roman towns, highlighting the adaptability of Roman urbanism. The project's results, published in "Roman Urbanism in Italy," underscore the importance of applying new techniques to uncover hidden aspects of ancient history.

The abandonment of Interamna Lirenas was not a sudden collapse but a gradual process, likely driven by residents' fears of marauding armies rather than internal decline. This nuanced understanding provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Roman settlements during periods of imperial instability. The ongoing research continues to shed light on the complex social and economic structures that allowed such towns to endure for centuries.