Roman shipyard of Stifone, Roman shipyard archaeological site in Narni, Italy
The Roman shipyard of Stifone is a facility that stretches approximately 280 meters along the Nera River and was systematically used for constructing vessels. The structures feature walls with regularly spaced openings that allowed workers to support ships during building and to handle multiple sizes at once.
The site was established in the Iron Age, likely around the 4th or 3rd century BC, and remained in operation for centuries. It functioned as a crucial river port for transporting timber and trade goods upriver to Rome and surrounding regions.
The site reflects how ancient people engineered waterways to support shipbuilding and vessel maintenance as a central economic activity. The design of artificial channels and docking areas shows practical solutions that workers adapted to the natural conditions of the river.
Access to the site requires prior permission since the remains lie on private property and portions are partially submerged. Visiting with a knowledgeable guide helps explain the structures and how the facility functioned.
Three rows of openings in the walls reveal that different vessel types could be constructed simultaneously at the site. This flexibility to handle varying sizes was a key advantage for the harbor's economic efficiency.
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