Grociana piccola: a rare example of Republican military fortifications in Italy

Abstract Recent investigations at Grociana piccola, a site in northeastern Italy consisting of two sub-rectangular fortifications, offer the rare opportunity to investigate Early Roman military architecture outside Iberian peninsula. Excavations have revealed an inner rubble masonry rampart dated 2nd c. BCE by associated pottery, mainly amphora remains. This date suggests that fortification was use during first conquest and/or later campaigns BCE, providing one earliest and smallest examples fort. The fort's ramparts were built using same building technique as much larger 2nd-c. camps. Another trench uncovered corner outer probable tower or artillery platform which can be connected temporary camp mid-1st BCE.