Compsa, human settlement in Conza della Campania, Province of Avellino, Campania, Italy
Compsa is an archaeological site of a Roman city in Conza della Campania, buried beneath modern buildings and streets. Excavations reveal ruins of forums, amphitheaters, baths, and other structures that represent different periods of the city's development.
This place was originally a city of the Hirpini, one of the four Samnite tribes, but was defeated by Rome in 275 BC. Later it became an Episcopal seat and experienced several upheavals in the Middle Ages through invasions and earthquakes.
From the 6th century onward, this place became an Episcopal seat and developed into a religious center. The church Santa Maria de Foris and other religious buildings show how important spiritual life was to the community here.
The site lies beneath the modern town and is accessible only by prior arrangement, so you should contact the local authorities in Conza della Campania ahead of time. Visit times depend on availability, and it helps to have a guide to understand what the ruins represent.
The site is closely tied to the 1980 earthquake that destroyed the modern town and exposed the Roman ruins beneath it. Later a museum was built within the park to display finds such as mosaics and grave inscriptions discovered by archaeologists led by Prof. Werner Johannowsky.
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