La domus di Tito Macro presso i fondi Cossar di Aquileia: dallo scavo alla valorizzazione

The paper provides a synthesis of the results achieved in recent years in the fondi Cossar area, Aquileia, by a research project combining excavation and in situ restorations. The area, very close to the Christian basilica, was investigated more than once during the 19th and 20th centuries, when rich domus and part of the republican city walls were brought to light. Excavations were followed by a first series of restorations, but still this urban area remained poorly comprehensible both archaeologically and by the public. This situation required new investigations, started in 2009, aiming to obtain a complete knowledge of the area, for planning a structured work of architectural renovation. Through five excavation campaigns, a team of the University of Padova examined a 1200 m2 surface, piecing together the history of this part from the ancient city from the 2nd century BC to the contemporary age. The results, about to be extensively published, were the basis for an extensive work of renovation of the archaeological area; this is currently being carried on and it provides for the roofing of one of the houses discovered (domus of Titus Macer), through reproducing its ancient volumes and layout.