Elisa Amadasi
I am a Classical Archaeologist specializing in the study of the water supply systems of ancient
Rome. I hold a BA, MA, and PhD in Classical Archaeology from Sapienza University of Rome,
followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the École Française de Rome.
During my MA, I concentrated my research on Roman aqueducts, with a specific focus on the
Aqua Traiana, which was the subject of my master's thesis. Building on this foundation, my PhD
research focused on Aqua Virgo, the oldest aqueduct still functioning in Rome. My work provided
the first comprehensive, diachronic analysis of the aqueduct. Through a multidisciplinary approach,
I was able to distinguish between original and later restored or reconstructed sections, both above
ground and underground. This methodology not only deepened our understanding of the
aqueduct’s construction and its water intake and distribution systems, but also enhanced our
knowledge of the topographical evolution of Aqua Virgo over time.
During my post-doctoral fellowship at the École Française de Rome, I had the opportunity to
contribute to the ANR-funded "FISTULAE" project, led by Professor Christian Rico. This project
significantly enhanced my expertise in the field of ancient water distribution systems, with a specific
focus on lead pipes (fistulae) from the archaeological sites of Ostia, Portus, and Rome.
My work began with an extensive review of both bibliographic and archival sources, laying the
groundwork for a detailed analysis of the physical materials. I systematically examined various
types of lead pipes and their inscriptions, as well as collected samples from several fistulae for
further investigation. This hands-on research was complemented by archaeometric analyses
aimed at determining the provenance of the lead and studying how the metal’s characteristics
changed over time. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the final
stages of lead processing, the trade of lead materials, and the networks of artisans and merchants
involved.
orcid id: 0000-0002-0441-1902
Mail: mariaelisa.amadasi@sns.it
Deposited publications available on Academia
- Amadasi, M.E., “Acquedotto Traiano: dall’identificazione del condotto antico alla formazione della coscienza archeologica”, in F.M. Cifarelli, M. Marcelli (a cura di), Aqua Traiana. Le indagini fra Vicarello e Trevignano Romano. Nuove acquisizioni e prospettive di studio sull’acquedotto Traiano-Paolo, Roma 2021, pp. 59-65. ISBN-13 9788849241129.
- Amadasi, M.E., “Aqua Virgo tra campagna e città: lo sfruttamento del territorio e delle risorse idriche” in F. Carbotti, D. Gangale Risoleo, E. Iacopini, F. Pizzimenti, I. Raimondo (a cura di) Landscape 3: una sintesi di elementi diacronici. Uomo e ambiente nel mondo antico: un equilibrio possibile? Oxford 2023, pp. 302-315. ISBN 987-1-80327-700-4.
- Calzolari, L., Amadasi, M.E., Medeghini, L., Mignardi, S., “Insights on the mortars of ancient roman aqueducts. Aqua Virgo and Aqueduct Y, Rome (Italy)”, Buildings 2024, 14(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010069.