Usi e riusi a Nora: da vani di servizio a vani residenziali nell’isolato sulla via del porto.

Abstract

Archaeological research by the University of Pisa at Nora in Sardinia started at the beginning of the 1990’s. It was focused on the district with commercial and craftsman-like characteristics, which was built in the first half of the 1st century AD and located on the road linking the centre of the town to its port. Between the end of the 2nd and 3rd century AD the district was widely modified, the largest baths in the town were built, the road was paved and flanked by a porch and the commercial characteristics were confirmed by the construction of a multifunctional complex called Insula A. One of the shops in the block AB was renovated: some service rooms were transformed into living rooms and organized in an apartment. It was characterized by a richness which showed the social ascent of the owner. The modification of the district finds its counterpart in the redevelopment of the whole town, with a monumental restructuring of the forum, the construction of the public aqueduct and of rich domus. Imported products, especially from North Africa, also spread, proving the economic dynamism of the town during the 3rd century AD.