Aeria: The fascinating history of the city that disappeared after a volcanic eruption.
Submerged for almost 2000 years, Aenaria It is hidden today in the heart of the Mediterranean, next to the Italian island of Ischia.
The ancient Roman city, which is located in Cartoomana Bay, between the Aragonese Castle and the rocks of Sant’Anna, remained preserved under the sand and the prairiers of Oceanic Posidonia, until it was rediscovered and integrated into a underwater archeology project in 2011.
Founded in the fourth century BC, Aeria was a prosperous Roman village that stood out for its port, shipyards and castings, but also by luxurious coastal villas decorated with columns, statues, mosaics and fresh impressive – although human occupation is much older, with traces dating from the Iron Age. Between 130 and 150 AD, a violent volcanic phenomenonaccompanied by tsunamis, forced its inhabitants from, and the city was eventually totally swallowed by the sea.
The Greeks were the first to settle in Ischia, around the eighth century BC, founding the colony of Pitecusa, a community famous for the production of ceramic and maritime trade and a point of connection between the Greek world and the Italian peninsula.
During the Roman period, already with a name associating him with the air goddess, linked to the sea and navigation, was an active nucleus in the extraction of minerals, especially iron, and in agricultural exploitation. The island also played a relevant role as a commercial warehouse, integrating in the sea routes that linked Rome to the other provinces of the Empire.
Today, the traces of Aenaria are about six meters deep… There are memories of a time when the humble Ischia had a relevant strategic role in the Roman Empire.
The archaeological findings recovered over the centuries can be contemplated at the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum in Lacco Ameno, according to the. But also It is possible to go to the place and even dive To get to know the place firsthand, on a 70 -minute trip aboard boats with glass background.
The visit begins in a room, with an explanatory video of about 20 minutes. This is followed by a brief cruise with privileged views of Ischia Ponte, the Aragonese Castle, the Tower of Miguel Ângelo and several historical churches. Arrived at the scene, visitors observe, through the transparent vessel background, structures of the old port, walls and other architectural elements, intertwined with porcine fields and a vibrant marine life. For the most adventurous, there is also the possibility of diving and snorkeling on the spot.
