Ricerche archeologiche e topografiche nella Tessaglia antica : il caso di Farsalo

Pharsala, identified by many researchers as the Homeric Phthia (mythological birthplace of the hero Achilles), lies in the southern edge of the Thessalian Plain, 3 km south of the river Enipeas. Although most of its evidences have been irretrievably buried by the urban expansion, the archaeological discoveries of the last decades have made it possible to reconstruct its life stages. The work, based on cartographic mapping and cataloging of all topographical units (UT) within the urban limits, aims to reconstruct settlement patterns in the times between Late Neolithic and Roman ones. The study of the fortifications of the city (e.g. wall, towers and gate), led through several regional comparisons, allowed a more accurate dating. The methodological line adopted is based on a cross-using of archaeological investigation conventional methods (bibliographical and archival data, archaeological reports etc.) and the new analysis and data-processing techniques (Gis, raster and vectorial cartographical elaboration, statistical processing, aerial photo-interpretation etc.). The reconstruction is finally supported by the elaboration of a synoptical archaeological map and others thematics.