The Mefite site in Ansanto Valley is located in the Rocca San Felice municipality (Province ofAvellino, Campania Region, Italy), namely in Irpinia: this region was in ancient times inhabited by Hirpini (the where part of the local tribal system). The site is in the same time inserted in a wide rural landscape preservin0067 still today a high grade of naturality. As regards the geological structures, they are to be quoted at least 55 geosites, object of recent research aimed at identifying Geodiversity in Campania Region. Due to its environmental features, the site of Mefite has been known since antiquity as a site of deadly exhalations and place of manifestation of the eponymous goddess: his name should derive from “meudh,” literally “she who is in the middle”, link between the opposing life/death and heaven/earth. Archeological data witness the presence inV cent. b.C. of a cult referred to the goddess named Mephitis, namely the divinity living in the land of the middle between heaven and infernal word. She was worshipped because of her recognized influence on waters, fertility, and rural life. Probably, in the time of Late Roman Empire, decaying the christian rituals took the place of pagan ones. The long period of silence characterizing Middle Ages was interrupted by the numerous information aquired through the notes reported by common travelers and famous people too. As a matter of fact in the nineteenth century and in the first part of twentieth century, the mephitic phenomena related to the site where associated to the ones taking place in the near Phlegrean area. From this issue derives the theory of a volcanic origin of the place. The existing theory linked to mephitic phenomenology in not universally shared, in the same time we can surely exclude any volcanic origin of the matter but considering the evaluation of some geo- and biochemical elements. The carbon dioxide exceptional amount is related to the emission of some “traps” created during the construction of tectonic Apenninic orogenesis; the weak thermalism of the area and the presence of hydrocarbon are eventually compatible with the explanation given. The very place is a sort of natural lab for studying some endemic species able to survive in extreme survival conditions. Aiming at characterizing the importance and the geotouristic value, the site of Mefite has been evaluated following some appropriate criteria. For instance, making a comparison among different local geosite features using the most widely used assessment methods, through this process is evident that the site of Mefite is absolutely provided of the best qualitative elements in term of scientific, panoramical, and relational potentialities. The opinions so collected suggest some specific policies having the purpose of promoting and preserving the area. In conclusion, this study states that the Mefite is a valuable Geoarcheosite in a major area aiming at respecting and enhancing local traditions and customs to stimulate a kind of a sustainable and responsible geotourism.
The Mefite in the Ansanto Valley (Southern Italy): a Geoarchaeosite to Promote the Geotourism and Geoconservation of the Irpinian Cultural Landscape.
RUSSO F.Membro del Collaboration Group
2020-01-01
Abstract
The Mefite site in Ansanto Valley is located in the Rocca San Felice municipality (Province ofAvellino, Campania Region, Italy), namely in Irpinia: this region was in ancient times inhabited by Hirpini (the where part of the local tribal system). The site is in the same time inserted in a wide rural landscape preservin0067 still today a high grade of naturality. As regards the geological structures, they are to be quoted at least 55 geosites, object of recent research aimed at identifying Geodiversity in Campania Region. Due to its environmental features, the site of Mefite has been known since antiquity as a site of deadly exhalations and place of manifestation of the eponymous goddess: his name should derive from “meudh,” literally “she who is in the middle”, link between the opposing life/death and heaven/earth. Archeological data witness the presence inV cent. b.C. of a cult referred to the goddess named Mephitis, namely the divinity living in the land of the middle between heaven and infernal word. She was worshipped because of her recognized influence on waters, fertility, and rural life. Probably, in the time of Late Roman Empire, decaying the christian rituals took the place of pagan ones. The long period of silence characterizing Middle Ages was interrupted by the numerous information aquired through the notes reported by common travelers and famous people too. As a matter of fact in the nineteenth century and in the first part of twentieth century, the mephitic phenomena related to the site where associated to the ones taking place in the near Phlegrean area. From this issue derives the theory of a volcanic origin of the place. The existing theory linked to mephitic phenomenology in not universally shared, in the same time we can surely exclude any volcanic origin of the matter but considering the evaluation of some geo- and biochemical elements. The carbon dioxide exceptional amount is related to the emission of some “traps” created during the construction of tectonic Apenninic orogenesis; the weak thermalism of the area and the presence of hydrocarbon are eventually compatible with the explanation given. The very place is a sort of natural lab for studying some endemic species able to survive in extreme survival conditions. Aiming at characterizing the importance and the geotouristic value, the site of Mefite has been evaluated following some appropriate criteria. For instance, making a comparison among different local geosite features using the most widely used assessment methods, through this process is evident that the site of Mefite is absolutely provided of the best qualitative elements in term of scientific, panoramical, and relational potentialities. The opinions so collected suggest some specific policies having the purpose of promoting and preserving the area. In conclusion, this study states that the Mefite is a valuable Geoarcheosite in a major area aiming at respecting and enhancing local traditions and customs to stimulate a kind of a sustainable and responsible geotourism.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
