On February 12, 2025, the archaeological excavation mission at the Pertosa – Auletta cave site was completed. This historically significant location lies in the Cilento mountain range, within the Vallo di Diano valley, part of the Alburni geological park in the province of Salerno, Italy.
The research, which began in mid-January, focused on the cave's entrance area, where a team of archaeologists conducted excavations along the underground river flowing through the cave.
The Most Important Discovery
One of the mission's most significant findings was the identification of a religious structure from the Hellenistic period, dating back to between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. Along the subterranean water path, this sacred area has revealed many objects of archaeological interest, which will undergo specialized studies in the coming months.
The discovery supports the theory that the cave played a central role in the religion and culture of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area.
The Unique Prehistoric Village
Simultaneously, researchers continued to investigate a prehistoric village built on stilts, which was discovered last year. This elevated wooden structure is a rare example in Europe, found in an underground setting.
During the excavations, new extensions of the platform were uncovered, indicating greater structural complexity than previously imagined.
Wood samples were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the exact dating and environmental conditions that allowed the structure to be preserved for so many centuries.
The excavations were conducted by the MidA Foundation, in collaboration with the Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape Superintendency of Salerno and Avellino.
The project also involved the "Enzo dei Medici" Cave Archaeology Research Center and the Central Archaeological Institute (ICA).
As part of its initiatives to establish methodological guidelines for subterranean environments, the Archaeological Institute signed an agreement with the MidA Foundation to create a pilot program aimed at standardizing procedures in archaeological and speleological research.
The Future of Archaeological Research
Key partners in the research included Iren S.p.A. and the communities of Pertosa and Auletta, which provided logistical and technical support.
This collaboration has facilitated a thorough and interdisciplinary excavation campaign, the impact of which is expected to extend beyond the scientific realm, helping to assess and appreciate the local cultural heritage.
The next phase of excavations is scheduled for early 2026, coinciding with the temporary closure of the cave for biological conservation purposes.
The suspension of tourism activities will allow the archaeological work to proceed uninterrupted, facilitating the documentation and analysis of new findings.
