The name of the city of Monopoli has ancient origins and several etymological hypotheses.
The most accredited one derives from the Greek Μόνη Πόλις (Móne Pólis), meaning “City Alone” or “One City”, probably reflecting its importance as a port between Siponto and Brindisi and its isolated strategic position in the territory.
Other interpretations include “Important City” in reference to its function as a Messapian fortress and military port throughout history. There are also less common theories linking it to the Cretan king Minos or to a Slavic term referring to the caves in the area.
The city has very ancient roots, with settlements as far back as the 5th century BC, and was a significant commercial and military centre, especially after the destruction of Egnatia.
Which archaeological finds support the Messapian origin
The archaeological finds that support the Messapian origin include a wealth of material evidence from necropolises, defensive systems, inscriptions and objects of everyday and cultural use.
Among the main findings are:
Necropolis with pit tombs covered with stone slabs, such as those extended and excavated in the Salento region, with over 2000 burials dating between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC.
Defence systems with mirrors, forts and walls (paretoni) typical of the Messapian civilisation.
Coins, epigraphic inscriptions and trozzelle (small vases) bearing the Messapian cultural mark, found in multiple sites, including those in Alezio, Ugento and Vereto, and preserved in regional and national museums.
Ritual objects such as burnt pig remains and pomegranate seeds, linked to fertility cults practised in the caves, testify to Messapian religious practices.
Statues and artefacts show influences from Magna Graecia, such as a bronze statue from the 6th century B.C. depicting a protector god, dating back to Messapian culture with Hellenic influences.
These archaeological finds support the presence and importance of the ancient Messapian civilisation in the region, to which the origin of Monopoli is also linked due to its function as a commercial and military centre in the ancient period.
Where to see the main Messapian finds in Monopoli
In Monopoli, the main Messapian artefacts can be seen mainly in the historic centre and through a few finds in the area. However, the quantity of exhibits is limited compared to the large archaeological sites in the surrounding areas. Here you will find where and how to visit the Messapian remains in and around Monopoli.
Museums and archaeological sites with Messapian finds near Monopoli
Egnatia National Archaeological Museum
Located at the Excavations of Egnatia in Fasano, it preserves Messapian artefacts such as tombs, inscriptions, ceramics, funerary frescoes and trozzelle. It is the most important destination for visiting Messapian remains near Monopoli.
Archaeological excavations of Egnatia
The archaeological park of Egnatia contains the Messapian necropolis, pit and chamber burials, as well as the remaining structures of the ancient settlement and the mighty walls.
In the historical centre of Monopoli, archaeological deposits from the Classical period and a tomb with Messapian inscription were found during excavations of the foundations of the cathedral, but these finds are not displayed in a specific city museum, but rather kept in scientific venues or at temporary exhibitions. The ancient location of Monopoli is considered to be in the Messapian area of influence due to the findings.
If you want to see Messapian artefacts of great importance, the National Archaeological Museum of Egnatia and the associated Archaeological Park (in Fasano, a few kilometres from Monopoli) are the richest and most easily accessible destinations: tombs, ceramics, vases, inscriptions and Messapian defensive structures of great historical importance are preserved and exhibited here.
Where to see the main Messapian artefacts in Salento
To see the main Messapian archaeological finds in the Salento, there are several sites and museums worth a visit.
Among the most important:
Archaeological Park of the Messapian Walls of Manduria: It offers impressive testimonies such as the megalithic walls, a necropolis with over 1,200 tombs, and frescoes from the 4th century BC.
Ugento Archaeological Museum : Here you can admire artefacts such as the statue of Zeus and other artefacts from the Messapian town of Ugento.
Archaeological sites in Oria : With the Sanctuary of Monte Papalucio and the numerous votive offerings, including silver breastplates and terracotta figurines, which can be seen on excursions and in the local museum.
Vaste : With the Hypogeum of the Caryatids and the Park of the Warriors, which reconstruct the ancient Messapian culture in the area.
Cavallino : A mysterious site with the remains of megalithic walls and important evidence of the Messapic era, which can be visited in the Museo Diffuso in Cavallino.
In addition, many regional museums and archaeological parks scattered around the Salento preserve and exhibit Messapian artefacts, such as the Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of the Crypt of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Poggiardo, and other facilities housing inscriptions, vases and ritual objects.