Antonio Alfano

The first archaeological investigation concerning the site of “Castellazzo” was undertaken in the spring of 2011, in the context of an agreement between the “Parco Archeologico di San Guseppe Jato e dei comuni limitrofi” and the “Gruppo Archeologico Valle dello Jato”. The stronghold, built upon a plateau located in front of the East Gate of the antique city of Jato, is linked to the last siege of Federico the 2nd against the rebel Muslims in Sicily, during the first half of the13 C. The excavation revealed a surrounding wall characterized by outward towers at regular intervals. An entrance was found on the north side. Moreover, it is possible to conjecture a further doorway to the southwest. The archaeological layers lay immediately under topsoil which, since antiquity, has undergone few activities, mainly related to the installation of vineyards. Furthermore, a rectangular room leaning against the surrounding wall was entirely excavated. Adjacent to it was found a burial relating to a single soldier. In parallel, a field survey was carried out onto the valley areas of “Iato” and “Belìce Destro”. The research identified and documented more than 200 sites with archaeological or structural evidence.