Laura M. Banducci, Mattia D’Acri – Gabii through its Artefacts (2023)

Gabii through its Artefacts brings together 15 papers written by as many scholars on objects from the excavations of the town of Gabii undertaken by three different international teams since 2007: The Gabii Project, which is a primarily US-based group of scholars; a team from the Musée du Louvre; and a team from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” collaborating with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Roma. The contributions aim to consider artefacts outside the ceramic report and small finds catalogue format in terms of both the wide variety of materials and the possibilities for unique individual stories. Objects ranging from the pre-Roman to Imperial periods are examined using a mix of approaches, making an effort to be sensitive to excavation context and formation processes. Approaches include archaeometric, spatial, and statistical analyses, artefact life history approaches, and archival approaches. Thus, different scales of analysis are also undertaken: in some cases individual objects are focused on, in others whole classes or assemblages. The papers ultimately share the common goal of offering new stories about the inhabitants of Gabii told through their artefacts. Together they enliven the Gabines’ behaviours: their concerns about personal and economic security and status, their productive activities and trade connections to other towns, their aesthetic and ritual concerns, their political affiliations and aspirations.