Modelli archeologici per il progetto nel paesaggio agricolo periurbano. Dagli orti holeari agli orti sociali nel Quinto Municipio, Roma. Archaeological models for the peri-urban agricultural landscape design. From the orti holeari to the allotment gardens in the Fifth Municipality, Rome

During the research held on the territory East of Rome with the collaboration of the cultural associations «Lavangaquadra (nova Arcadia)» and Casale Garibaldi, it was possible to locate some data from the archaeological excavations done during the construction of the new subway line C. Some citizens belonging to grassroots associations pointed out an archaeological site excavated for the construction of the new subway line, and immediately re-buried, next to Via dell’Acqua Bullicante. We could recognize in the site the orti holeari mentioned in the medieval notarial sources. These allotments consist in long ditches dug in the local tufus with a direction, a measurement and a constant pace and were evidently designed with an organic criterion, probably in Roman times. It is possible therefore to hypothesize the continuous use of agricultural land in the suburbs of Rome from Roman times to the medieval period. Subsequently we used this model for the experimental design of a teaching garden in Casale Garibaldi park within the Roman district of Villa De Sanctis (former Casilino 23) and for the design of two other allotment gardens in the fifth municipality of Rome. This operation connected in a strong relationship of continuity, archaeology and grassroots design for the sustainable peri-urban agricultural landscape in Rome.