Vada Volaterrana: A Comparison of Roman Harbors and their Place Within Mediterranean Connectivity

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the site of Vada Volaterrana in modern day Tuscany in the context of its Mediterranean connectivity. In this study, Mediterranean connectivity in the ancient Roman world addresses how harbor sites interacted with their hinterlands and other coastal sites. To analyze Vada Volaterrana's place within the Roman world I compare it to other harbor sites, large and small, through a diachronic approach that addresses technological advancements and economic prosperity. Though it is a smaller harbor complex, larger sites are used for comparison to juxtapose the differences between urban and rural settlements and their roles within the Roman world. It also highlights the discrepancy between our knowledge of small and large port systems. Vada Volaterrana is an example of a small harbor complex that served the needs of its hinterlands. I propose that Vada is an example of the norm in the ancient Roman world. Harbors were small to moderate in size and accommodated similarly sized vessels. Despite this, Vada Volaterrana shares technological and economic trends with other Roman sites which reflects the idea that harbors were centers of culture and trade. By sharing this study, I hope to inspire an interest in Mediterranean connectivity leading to studies regarding the functionality of smaller Roman harbor sites.