It
is a structure built on a huge stony block at about 551
m.a.s.l. on the slope of the Mount Mula (1981 m.a.s.l.)
It overlooks the gorge of the torrent Rosa, a tributary
of the river Esaro, and the historic centre of San Sosti.
This castle was probably built during the XI century AC
as it was proved by the numismatic discoveries in the Byzantine
Age. The castle was later abandoned during the second half
of the XIII century AC The documentation found in the Castello
is particularly of great interest from Federico II up to
the Angevin period. Roman occupation of the site is attested
by the presence of sigillata pottery of the I-II centuries
A.D., Greek occupation by discoveries, both in and around
the castle, of miniature ceramic votives dating to the VI-V
centuries BC. The most ancient human presence in the place
is proved by the partial discovery of what in those times
used to be a part of an apsidal hut with surrounding post-holes.
Besides, together with this discovery some pieces of pottery
that belong to the Iron Age and the Middle Bronze Age were
found. This site and its investigation are of great importance
to be able to understand the place were the bronze axe-head
of Kyniskos Ortamos was found, and which is today kept at
the British Museum of London.
Domenico
Marino |
