Inrap, the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, is sharing recent discoveries from excavations in Corsica during the European Heritage Days, known as JEP, on September 19 and 20, 2026. A conference titled Le site d'Erbaghjou à Belgodère il y a 2000 ans - un établissement Antique du Haut-Empire Romain will take place in Belgodère on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 4:30 pm. The event is free and organized by the Confrérie de Belgodère, a local society dedicated to preserving heritage. The conference will be led by Jean-Jacques Grizeaud, head of archaeological research at Inrap, and will discuss findings from excavations of a rural establishment from the Roman High Empire period. These excavations, conducted by Inrap during the summer of 2020, were carried out under the guidance of the Regional Archaeology Service (Drac de Corse).
The research focused on a large building with a surface area of 190 square meters, suggesting the presence of a "villa" established at the end of the 1st century BC. This type of villa was a common feature in Roman provinces, often serving as a residence for wealthy landowners. The site, known as Erbaghjola, provides new insights into the region's history and documents an establishment that extends beyond the excavation area, covering a large part of the plateau overlooking the sea, the Erbaghjola river, and the strategic valley of Réginu. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of Roman settlement patterns in Corsica and the surrounding Mediterranean region.
The 2026 edition of the European Heritage Days has two main themes: "Photography Heritage" and "Endangered Heritage: Revive, Resist, Reimagine." The first theme highlights the role of photography in documenting and preserving cultural heritage, while the second focuses on the challenges faced by heritage sites and the efforts to protect and revitalize them. These themes reflect a growing awareness of the need to safeguard historical and cultural assets in the face of modern challenges such as urban development, climate change, and conflict.
The conference in Belgodère is part of a larger initiative to promote public engagement with archaeology and history. By presenting these findings during the European Heritage Days, Inrap and its partners aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical sites and the value of archaeological research in understanding the past. The event also provides an opportunity for local communities and visitors to learn about the rich history of Corsica and its connections to the broader Roman world.
Inrap Unveils Roman Era Findings in Corsica During European Heritage Days
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- 🇫🇷Inrap



