Journal of Ancient Topography_Rivista di Topografia Antica

A new interpretation of miliari tabelarii in CIL I2 638 (the so called lapis or elogium Pollae) adds to the ten thus far proposed, predicated on the assumption that the text of the inscription was dictated not by the Roman magistrate who built the road from Capua to Regium, but by the notables of the Lucanian oppida in the Vallo di Diano. Even the phrase fecei (…) ponteis omneis raises doubts about the number of bridges actually built, and about the method of measuring the length of public roads. Contrary to current opinion, it is held that Anni forum (Sall. Hist. III frg. 98 M) and foro popili/forum Popili (Tab. Peut. VI 5; Anon. Ravenn. IV 34; Guido 43) are two distinct settlements, which a careful reading of Sallust’s passage demonstrates. The choice of the two sites was conditioned by the centuriation established by the Gracchan tresviri in 132-1 BC. The arrival of Spartacus in 73 BC brings destruction and slaughter. The territory of the lower and middle valley of the Tanàgro River (Calor-Tànager) will not recover until the second half of the 1st century B.C., when the two fora are relegated to the status of vici and change their names. The new settlers are not displaced, as in the past, as viasii vicani, but become recipients of land organized in praefecturae