The archaeological site known as Umbro Flumen was investigated between 2013 and 2015 under the scientific direction of Prof. Alessandro Sebastiani, Dr. Elena Chirico, and Dr. Matteo Colombini. The site is strategically located halfway between the sanctuary area of Diana Umbronensis and the manufacturing district of Spolverino, along the ancient coastal route near the mouth of the Ombrone River.
Its identification was made possible thanks to aerial photography and the presence of crop marks, which revealed the full ground plan of the site. Positioned along a key maritime corridor, Umbro Flumen functioned from the late 3rd century BCE to the mid-2nd century CE as a stopover and rest area for travelers arriving by sea.
A significant shift in the site’s function occurred during the later Antonine period, when the southern sector was closed off and repurposed for industrial activities, including metalworking and the production of Egyptian blue pigment.
By the end of the 4th century CE, the site underwent another transformation. A rural production center was established, along with a complex of collective kitchens, which remained in use until the late 5th or early 6th century CE, marking the siteโs final phase of occupation.
References
Rao R. and Sebastiani A. (eds), 2023. Archaeological Landscapes of Late Antique and Early Medieval Tuscia (AD 400-1000). Research and Field Papers. Brepols, Turnhout.
Sebastiani A. and Chirico Elena, 2024. The Riverine Harbour Area of the Roman ager Rusellanus at Spolverino (Alberese โ GR). In Urteaga M and Pizzo A. (eds), Entre Mares. Emplazamiento, infraestructuras y organizaciรณn de los puertos romanos, LโErma di Bretschneider, Rome: 207-214.
Chirico E., 2019, Prima Golena (Alberese, GR): Umbro flumen una mansio-positio a servizio della viabilitร . Bollettino di Archeologia Online, X, 1-2: 85-96.
Sebastiani A. 2016. New data for a preliminary understanding of the Roman settlement network in south coastal Tuscany. The Case of Alberese (Grosseto, IT). Res Antiquae, 13: 243-272.
Sebastiani A., Chirico E. and Colombini M. 2016. Grosseto Localitร Alberese: indagini nel sito marittimo di etร romana nellโarea di Prima Golena, Notiziario della Soprintendenza ai Beni Archeologici della Toscana, 11: 451-454.
Sebastiani A., Chirico E. and Colombini M. 2015. Grosseto Localitร Alberese: indagini nel sito marittimo di etร romana nellโarea di Prima Golena, Notiziario della Soprintendenza ai Beni Archeologici della Toscana, 10: 430-432.
Interconnected Mobility of People and Economy along the River Ombrone 