Vincenzo Pacetti e gli scavi nel territorio laziale: il caso di Gabii

Between 1776 and 1796 Gavin Hamilton was involved in excavations at “Tenuta di Castiglione” and “Pantano” estates, properties respectively of the Azzolino and the Borghese families. In both places he made extraordinary findings and, as is widely known, identified the ancient site of Gabii. Vincenzo Pacetti acted as an evaluator, dealer and restorer of the antiquities from Gabii. The Giornale testifies to the diverse roles he played and enables us to define the chronological sequence of the diggings. Additional information can be obtained from Gavin Hamilton’s reports to Charles Townley and from Georg Zoëga’s correspondance with his friends and with Frederick VI, king of Denmark. Collating this documentary evidence, the paper seeks to gain an accurate picture of the sculpture excavated at these sites that was restored by Pacetti. The study presents new findings and enables some observations on the original archaeological context of these antiquities.