Archaeological construction and its relationship with place: the theme of shelters / Costruito archeologico e rapporto con il luogo: il tema delle coperture

The relationship with place constitutes a point of departure for the identification and comprehension of any archaeological find. In the case of archaeological construction, this bond takes the shape of a complex series of relationships, to be interpreted with a systemic and inter-disciplinary approach, which is also pivotal with regard to the longevity of these vestiges from the past.The theme of shelters has been the object of numerous studies over the last decades; it lends itself to a reading of the way in which the approach to the archaeological construction in relation to its location has evolved. This hinges on cultural conceptions and the developing awareness of the numerous specific elements involved, which may be interpreted as a mediation between the often conflicting demands of conservation and fruition. In their relationship to place, archaeological shelters offer various keys to interpretation, with regard to natural and anthropic elements, and in consideration of the aspects of composition, function, technique and handling of interventions. Examples from several archaeological shelters in Sicilian sites will provide material for reflection with regard to this issue.