Anxanum

Anxanum was an ancient settlement in the area of modern Lanciano with remains from different periods spread across several excavation sites. The finds include residential structures, trading areas, and public buildings that document life over thousands of years.

People settled in this area as early as the 5th millennium BC, and the settlement reached its greatest importance under Roman rule as an organized municipality. After the fall of the empire it faded from historical prominence and was eventually built over by modern Lanciano.

The settlement served as a trading hub between the Adriatic and the inland territories, and locals took pride in their municipal administration as inscriptions reveal. This role shaped daily life and the economic character of the place through the late ancient period.

The excavation areas are scattered throughout the city, so it helps to find out beforehand where the different sections are located and which ones are accessible. The Santo Spirito Civic Archaeological Museum can provide orientation and displays what was uncovered here.

Inscriptions found at this location mention names and titles of local officials, showing how the administration actually functioned. These personal details offer direct insight into the power structures of a Roman town that typically remain hidden from view.