Since 1990 the ancient archaeological site of Aleria, on the east coast of Corsica, has been classified as a historic monument.
The site was first described by Prosper Merimee after his journey to Corsica in 1840, when he wrote that the remains included walls and the western arch. The rest was still buried under layers of sediment. The very first excavation began in 1955 and gradually revealed finds such as the forum in 1958, the pre-Roman necropolis in 1960 etc. The excavations brought to light a complex history of the area: besides the Roman remains, traces were also found of earlier inhabitation by Greeks and even a prehistoric settlement.
Excavations continue to the present day and visitors can follow the timeline of the discoveries. The forum, a temple, the Capitol and a bathhouse can all be seen. The obects found on the site can be viewed in an attractive exhibition in the Genoan fort near the entrance to the site.
This is a link to the English/French brochure – https://www.oriente-corsica.com/catalog_repository/uploads/35/Site_archologique_(anglais).pdf
Text Harrie Wolters
Translation Alun Harvey
