Histonium

Histonium, now known as Vasto, is a captivating archaeological site in Italy that offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of the Frentani people. Nestled along the southern coast of Abruzzo, this historic gem is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, stories, and legends that transport visitors back to a time when the city was a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

The Mythical Beginnings

According to myth, Histonium was founded by the Greek hero Diomedes, who sought refuge here after the Trojan War. The strategic location and the thriving wool industry made it an attractive settlement for Greek colonists. Historically, Histonium was part of the ethnic-territorial domain of the Frentani, an Italic people who inhabited much of the southern Abruzzo coastline. Following the Roman conquest in 305 BC, the city was endowed with various public buildings, some of which still stand today, offering a window into its illustrious past.

The Roman Influence

Histonium flourished under Roman rule, becoming a municipium in 117 AD. The city was equipped with impressive structures, including an amphitheater, cisterns, and thermal baths. The amphitheater, built between the late 1st century and mid-2nd century AD, is a testament to the city's importance. Although much of it is now integrated into the modern structures of Vasto, remnants of its opus reticulatum walls can still be seen in Piazza Rossetti, the Torre di Bassano, and even in some local shops. These fragments offer a tantalizing glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient entertainment venue.

The Cisterns of Santa Chiara

Another remarkable relic of Histonium's Roman past is the cisterns of Santa Chiara, located on Via Cavour. These rectangular rooms with barrel-vaulted ceilings were constructed using opus signinum and were part of an elaborate aqueduct system known as the Luci. The cisterns were ingeniously designed to communicate with each other through a series of arches, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Romans.

The Thermal Baths

No visit to Histonium would be complete without exploring the thermal baths on Via Adriatica. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, these baths were divided into three levels and featured intricate mosaics depicting marine scenes, including Neptune wielding his trident. The 1994 restoration efforts brought these mosaics back to their original splendor, allowing visitors to marvel at the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Roman mosaicists.

The Chapel of the Madonna del Soccorso

One of the more poignant sites in Histonium is the chapel of the Madonna del Soccorso on Via S. e F. Ciccarone. Originally an archaeological ruin, this site was transformed into a prison in 1442 and later into a chapel in 1614. Although it was abandoned in 1794, the chapel's Roman concrete walls and barrel-vaulted interior still stand as a testament to the city's enduring legacy. The site also holds a somber history as a burial place for unbaptized infants and penitent sinners in the early 19th century.

The Roman Temple

Discovered in 1975 during construction work on Via Antonio Bosco, the small Roman temple is another fascinating site. This V-shaped structure, oriented westward, features walls made of brickwork with a stucco coating, displaying a range of hues from vibrant red to ochre. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the alternating plinths and cornices of the building's base, offering a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Romans.

The Urban Layout

The urban layout of ancient Histonium is still evident in the modern city of Vasto. The historic center, known as Guasto d'Aimone or the San Pietro district, retains much of its Roman and medieval character. The city's urban planning dates back to the Roman conquest of the 1st century BC, when it became a municipium. The city boasted a Capitol, numerous temples dedicated to Roman deities, and significant public and private buildings, including the amphitheater and thermal baths.

As civilizations evolved, the city's urban configuration remained largely unchanged, adhering to medieval patterns. The 11th to 14th centuries saw a reorganization of Vasto's urban landscape, with the construction of the Guasto Gisone district around the collegiate church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Loggia Amblingh. The fortified walls, completed in the early 1400s under the rule of Jacopo Caldora, further defined the city's structure. Outside these walls, the homes of poorer farmers stood in stark contrast to the grander residences within, a distinction still visible in the city's toponymy.

The Medieval Boroughs

Medieval urban centers often grew around significant buildings like parish churches or castles. In Vasto, the church-fortress of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro served as refuges during land and sea incursions. The characteristic borough within the Santa Maria Maggiore area exemplifies this layout, with the central defensive tower, known as Battaglia, and the surrounding network of narrow, winding streets. The fusion of the two medieval boroughs into a single municipality in the early 14th century marked a significant development in the city's history.

The archaeological discoveries of the 1950s revealed much about Histonium's Roman urban planning. The area between Via Roma and Via Barbarotta, with its orthogonal street grid and rectangular blocks, showcases the Roman technique of elongated construction with short sides corresponding to transverse axes. The Corso Palizzi and Corso Dante are considered the cardo maximus and decumanus maximus, respectively, while other streets like Corso Plebiscito and Via Adriatica serve as minor cardines. The well-preserved layout of the strigas area further highlights the city's Roman heritage.

In conclusion, Histonium is not just an archaeological site; it is a living testament to the rich tapestry of history that has shaped Vasto. From its mythical origins and Roman grandeur to its medieval transformations, the city offers a unique journey through time. Visitors to Histonium will find themselves immersed in a world where ancient ruins tell stories of a vibrant past, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.