Mariana
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MARIANA (Μαριανή, Ptol.), a city on the E. coast of Corsica, which, as its name imports, was a Roman colony, founded by the celebrated C. Marius. (Plin. Nat. 3.6. s. 12; Ptol. 3.2.5; Mel. 2.7.19; Senec. Cons. ad Helv. 8.) Nothing more is known of its history, but it is recognised as holding colonial rank by Pliny and Mela, and appears to have been one of the two principal cities in the island. It is a plausible conjecture of Cluverius that it was founded on the site previously occupied by the Greek city of Nicaea mentioned by Diodorus (Diod. 5.13; Cluver. Sicil. p. 508). Its name is mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary (p. 85), which erroneously reckons it 40 miles from Aleria; the ruins of Mariana, which are still extant under their ancient name at the mouth of the river Golo, being only about 30 miles N. of those of Aleria. They are 15 miles S. of the modern city of Bastia. The ancient remains are inconsiderable, but a ruined cathedral still marks the site, and gives title to the bishop who now resides at Bastia. (Rampoldi, Diz. Geogr. vol. 2. p. 589.)
[E.H.B]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