The remains of houses and burials dating back to the pre-Roman period have been discovered a few kilometres from Italy, past the Colle della Lombarda, a high mountain pass above the Alpine ski resort of Isola on the border between France and Italy.
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| One of the burials found in Place Vieille [Credit: Targatocn] |
The archaeological survey of Place Vieille, which is mentioned in the Napoleonic Cadastre (register) of the nineteenth century, has revealed the remains of a house dating back to the early modern era.
This discovery testifies to the rich history of the area, which until now has only been known from historical references of a small village on the French road that led to the Italian sanctuary of Sant'Anna di Vinadio.
Two pre-Roman graves lined with stones were also found in the same location, in an area of about 25 square metres, as well as the remains of several houses.
These latest discoveries could open a new page in the study of the human presence in the valleys close to the Alps and above all on one of the most ancient communication routes, such as the Colle della Lombarda, indicated by some as the possible road travelled by Hannibal.
In November, work will continue on research and renovation of the Piazza, which could be transformed into an open-air museum.
Source: Targato cn [November 01, 2017]