Combining earth sciences with archaeology to investigate natural risks related to the cultural heritage of the Marsica region (central Apennines, Italy)

Abstract Methods of Earth Sciences have been employed in archaeological sites the Marsica region, central Italy, two different perspectives: to enhance knowledge on past natural events which damaged/destroyed ancient settlements/monuments and gather data useful/necessary for preservation local cultural heritage. Within this wide perspective, paper deals with (i) recent archaeoseismological investigations at Alba Fucens other Fucino Plain add evidence sudden building collapse already available (archaeoseismological paleoseismological) concerning seismicity fifth-sixth century AD; (ii) remains Medieval church San Bartolomeo showing that coseismic damage 1349 caused abandonment part its (re)use burials; (iii) slope instability rapid mass deposition lowest sector since around half sixth AD, inhibiting occupation Roman town; (iv) capable faulting potentially affecting westernmost huge hydraulic works made by Romans during first-second AD drain former Lake Fucino.