Amphores romaines tardives et la stratigraphie de l’ île de San Lorenzo (lagune de Venise) Discussion et nouvelles observations

The paper aims at analyzing discoveries of Ernesto Canal (a lifelong explorer of the Venetian lagoon archaeological remnants – both on land and under water) in the light of Sauro Gelichi studies. In particular, the critical review of ceramics from the area allows to conclude that the San Lorenzo isle was inhabited from the second through sixth century ad nevertheless great inundations of coastal zones of High Adriatic in that epoch. From the seventh century ad the isle gradually turned into a cemetery grounds, the dead being buried there in pit graves or in huge amphorae. Further on, author examines reasons behind inhabitation of these isles, connecting formation of the habitation centres (creation of the system of communication and commerce on the lagoon north) with climatic changes on the coasts of the Venetian lagoon and in ancient Altinum, what, at its ultimate phase, has lead to the growth of later settlements on the lagoon south, including Venice.