Archaeological Museum of Lamezia Terme

Located in the heart of Lamezia Terme, Italy, the Archaeological Museum of Lamezia Terme (Museo archeologico lametino) is a treasure trove of historical artifacts that narrate the rich and diverse history of the region. Situated on the first floor of the monumental complex of San Domenico, within the ancient convent of the Dominican fathers, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Prehistoric Section

Your journey through time begins with the Prehistoric Section, dedicated to the local scholar Dario Leone. Here, you will find some of the earliest tools used by Paleolithic hunters who once roamed Calabria. These ancient relics, including choppers and lithic industry materials recovered from the Paleolithic station of Casella di Maida, offer a glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors.

The section also showcases artifacts from Neolithic farmers who settled in the Lamezia plain around 7500 years ago. Among these are a series of obsidian tools, sourced from the Aeolian Islands, and various ceramic fragments adorned with intricate geometric motifs. The museum’s commitment to experimental archaeology is evident in the reconstructions of Neolithic pottery-making techniques, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the past.

Classical Section

Next, step into the Classical Section, divided into two rooms and dedicated to Terina, the Greek colony founded by the Crotoniates between the late 6th and early 5th centuries BCE. The first room houses three coin hoards that encapsulate the political and economic history of the Lamezia plain. The oldest hoard, found in Polveracchio di Acquafredda, is particularly significant as it is the oldest treasure discovered in Magna Graecia and indicates the influence of Sybaris in the area during the late 6th century BCE.

The second hoard, discovered in Curinga, marks the beginning of Crotone’s hegemony over the plain in the early 5th century BCE. The third hoard, unearthed in Sant'Eufemia Vetere, features coins from Terina, reflecting its prosperity under Crotonian rule. Additionally, two important bronze epigraphic documents from Terina are displayed here, offering insights into the city’s political structure and social dynamics.

The second room features objects from the chora (territory) of the ancient city, including everyday items that illustrate the domestic activities of men and women in the oikos (house). Among the Greek-era artifacts is a bronze nail with a magical-symbolic inscription dedicated to the god Aion, found in Capo Suvero of Gizzeria Lido. The section concludes with Roman-era artifacts from various sites around the region.

Medieval Section

The Medieval Section presents three significant monuments from the Lamezia Terme area: the Church of the Forty Martyrs, the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria, and the Norman-Swabian Castle. From the Church of the Forty Martyrs, which underwent two major construction phases, the museum displays a 6th-7th century glass bottle, items from an early medieval burial, and Angevin-era coins.

Excavations at the Benedictine Abbey have revealed its chronological and typological significance among Norman-built churches in southern Italy. Architectural elements in marble and stone, fragments of painted plaster from the 14th-17th centuries, and parts of the church’s flooring are among the finds. The highlight is a stunning Norman-era mosaic tessellation uncovered in the presbytery area, showcasing known models and symbols.

The long history of the Norman-Swabian Castle, from its Norman origins to its vice-regal phase, is illustrated through objects that reflect the life within its walls and architectural elements that highlight the monument’s periods of grandeur.

Conclusion

The Archaeological Museum of Lamezia Terme offers a captivating journey through the ages, from the Paleolithic era to the late medieval period. Managed by the Polo Museale della Calabria since December 2014, and now under the Direzione regionale Musei as of December 2019, the museum continues to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Lamezia plain. Whether you are a history buff or a casual visitor, the museum’s extensive collections and engaging exhibits promise an enlightening and memorable experience.