; newWindow.focus())
; newWindow.focus())
; newWindow.focus())
The Cardum Decumanum was the ancient shepherds tracks still existing at the time of the Samnite Saepins. The area is 12 square hectares, circled by a wall of about 1200 meters, which originally included 27 towers. Entrance was through four gates - three of them are still standing - each sided by two towers.
Inside the wall at the north gate are remnants of thermal baths. Along both axes of the town, remnants of stone walls have been restored to show where the original residences and shops stood. The 'industrial' section of town consisted of structures where wool and hides were prepared. Also, there is a theater that could accomodate 3,000 spectators.
Next to the theater, 17th century farmhouses have been restored and serve as a museum. Outside the walls are the ruins of two large funeral monuments. The tomb on the north side is square and bears clear Greek ornamentation. The tomb at the south gate is round and typical of the age of Augustus.
One of the two towers guarding the South Gate actually served as a cistern, gravity-feeding water to the entire town, which is on a slight downward slope to the north. Latin inscriptions on the gates and buildings abound, telling which wealthy family donated this and that structure.