DiscoVereto: start of the excavation campaign at Vereto

Period: 16 May - 19 June 2026

DiscoVereto has begun: the first large-scale excavation campaign at the ancient Messapian settlement of Vereto, in the municipality of Patù (LE). The five-week project is part of the Leucantica programme and aims to investigate settlement dynamics and Mediterranean connections from the Late Bronze Age to the early phases of Romanization.

Research objectives

• Conduct stratigraphic excavation of previously unexplored habitation areas.
• Reconstruct exchange networks and cultural identities across Mediterranean communities.
• Integrate archaeological evidence with topographic and landscape analyses.

Methods and tools

• Stratigraphic excavation for direct analysis of settlement contexts.
• 3D topographic surveys and digital mapping to document structures and deposits.
• LIDAR remote sensing and GIS for landscape study and ancient communication routes.
• Non-invasive geophysical prospections in collaboration with specialized institutes.
• Comparative study of published and unpublished materials alongside documentary sources.

Community engagement

The project includes participatory archaeology initiatives open to the public: educational workshops, training courses, seminars, lectures and guided visits. Many outreach activities will be hosted at the Vereto Archaeological Museum (Palazzo "Liborio Romano" in Patù), and a documentary is in production to document the excavation process.

Coordination and partners

Scientific direction is led by the University of Naples “L'Orientale”. Partners include the Municipality of Patù, neighbouring local authorities, the Soprintendenza ABAP for Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto, and the Apulia Region.

Practical information

• Location: Vereto, 73053 Patù (LE), Italy
• Coordinates: 39.837968, 18.3276949
• Excavation areas are on municipal and private land provided free of charge.
• Public activities and schedules are available from municipal offices or official project communications: check times and participation rules before visiting.

DiscoVereto is a chance to better understand a historically strategic landscape for Mediterranean routes and to promote shared conservation of local archaeological heritage.