Conflict archaeology and material memory: investigation on two WWII sites in Apulia

Modern Conflict Archaeology includes among its most important topics the study of twentieth-century conflict-related contexts. In Italy, Apulia stands out in this field, with key sites like the American Pantanella Airfield in Canosa di Puglia and Campo PG 65 in Altamura. The Pantanella Airfield, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1944 near Canosa di Puglia, was part of the Foggia airfield complex, a network of over 30 Allied airfields established after the September 1943 landings in southern Italy. Spanning more than 20 square kilometers, some structures still preserve traces of decorations and features linked to the presence of American airmen.Aerial photographs, and documents from the Air Force Historical Research Agency, along with archaeological surveys and digital documentation of surviving remains buildings have helped reconstruct its layout and identify the function of several buildings, including mass hall, theatre and chapel, and some decorations. The 2021 archaeological investigations at POW camp PG65 near Altamura (Bari, Italy) revealed its complex history beyond WWII. Built in 1940, it later served as a Yugoslav partisan training camp (1943) and a refugee center (1950s) before being mostly demolished in the late 20th century. The study of its remains traces these transformations and raises questions about its future conservation. An active local community, committed to preserving its memory, exemplifies the heritage communities envisioned by the Faro Convention, offering a model for integrating PG65 into a broader narrative of 20th-century history in the surrounding landscape. The archaeology of conflict goesbeyond uncovering the material traces of war; it fosters dialogue, reflection, and reconciliation. By preserving and interpreting sites like Pantanella Airfield and PG65, we transform war-torn landscapes into spaces of peace, memory, and shared heritage.