MARIANA
Commune of Lucciana, Corsica, France.
Located 20 km S of Bastia and 3 from the coast,
the site which surrounds the Romanesque cathedral of
La Canonica corresponds to the position of a settlement
of the Roman period. It goes back perhaps to the beginning of the 1st c. B.C. It would be the site where Marius chose to install the Colonia Mariana cited by
Ptolemy. Various ancient remains have been recognized
there. Excavations have led to the discovery of an Early
Christian church and baptistery. The latter is adorned
with mosaics with Christian symbols and has a font converted from a stepped swimming pool. Nearby, a large
dwelling of Classical type underwent some alterations.
The hypothesis has been advanced that it represents the
episcopium of the 4th c. The excavations have also led
to the discovery of the Early Christian church which
preceded the San Parteo church. Its plan is offset with
respect to that of its successor. Three necropoleis have
produced cremation and inhumation tombs. These contain grave goods dating from the 1st to the 4th c. A.D.
continuously. There is a small excavation warehouse
near the church of La Canonica.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Chronique des circonscriptions arch.,
circonscription de Cote d'Azur-Corse,”
Gallia (1954ff).
C. GOUDINEAU