Minturnae, Italy Expedition records

The site of Minturnae is located about 50 miles from Naples toward Rome, and in Roman times was transected by the Appian Way. Excavations (1931-33) revealed an immense Roman colony, founded in 295 B.C. and laid out according to the Hippodamean grid plan. A smaller pre-Roman town (4th century B.C.) was discovered to have preceded the Roman city. In the Roman period, several temples, a large forum, a theatre, a fountain and other structures were surrounded by a city wall, while a large aqueduct supplied the city's water. A great quantity of fine Roman sculpture was excavated, along with pottery, coins, inscriptions, and other artifacts from all periods of habitation. Several examples of the sculpture excavated are displayed in the Penn Museum's Roman gallery, along with material in the Mediterranean study collection.

In August of 1931, the University of Pennsylvania Museum began excavations at the pre-Roman to Byzantine site of Minturnae, in cooperation with Italy's International Society for Mediterranean Research. Jotham Johnson led the expedition. Philanthropist Gustav Oberlaender, a partner in the Berkshire Hosiery Firm of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania was a generous cooperative backer.

Jotham Johnson was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1905 and completed his A.B. at Princeton University in 1926. His Ph.D. was awarded by the University of Pennsylvania in 1931. Johnson taught at the University of Pittsburgh as well as New York University where he rose to Chairman of the Classical Department a position he held until the time of his death in 1967.

Johnson participated in archaeological field work at Dura Europos, Syria in addition to Minturnae, Italy.

Minturnae excavations were carried out for the University of Pennsylvania Museum from August 1931 to August 1933. The following year became only a study season when the Italian government and Department of Antiquities, began restricting foreign sponsorship and suspended the Museum's concession to excavate.

During the 1960s, Johnson served as President of the Archaeological Institute of America presiding over the first issue of their publication "Archaeology."

In August of 1931, the University of Pennsylvania Museum began excavations at the pre-Roman to Byzantine site of Minturnae, in cooperation with Italy's International Society for Mediterranean Research. Jotham Johnson led the expedition. Philanthropist Gustav Oberlaender, a partner in the Berkshire Hosiery Firm of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania was a generous cooperative backer.

In August of 1931, the University of Pennsylvania Museum began excavations at the pre-Roman to Byzantine site of Minturnae, in cooperation with Italy's International Society for Mediterranean Research. Jotham Johnson led the expedition. Philanthropist Gustav Oberlaender, a partner in the Berkshire Hosiery Firm of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania was a generous cooperative backer.

The Minturnae, Italy Expedition records consist of two boxes of paper records, two boxes of photographs, bound volumes and drawings and plans.

Processing revealled some loose pages in the bound volumes. Most of the records are in chronological order and many official papers and some correspondence is in Italian. Correspondence with the Italian government is arranged chronologically and then in original topical order for clarity. No changes were made in the organization of the Accounts.

The photographs are arranged according to the numbering system devised by the creators. Many of the prints are 5 by 7 inch size, placed in envelopes for protection. In addition to the excavation pictures are seventeen files of photos from the Italian government.

Publication Information: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives, February 2017

Finding Aid Author:

Use Restrictions:

Personal Name(s)

• Jayne, Horace H.F., 1898-1975
• Oberlaender, Gustav, 1867-1936