Aureliano in Cisalpina. I riflessi delle invasioni alamanniche nelle testimonianze archeologiche

The Alamannic tribes began to descend into northern Italy in 260 A.D., during the reign of Gallienus. However, the most alarming invasion was that of 270-271: at that time. the Alamannian, together with the Iuthungian populations, reached the Adriatic coast, before being defeated by Aurelianus. Little archaeological evidence datable to this period remains. An interesting example is a bath complex in Cesena: its existence was first testified by epigraphic sources, town walls, clear signs of the drama of the times. Nevertheless, detailed historical examination depicts a less catastrophic picture than one would expect at first sight, especially regarding other emergency situations which, at that time were insidiously undermining the empire's unity.