During the 2017 campaign, research continued in the Etruscan settlement situated on the plateau of the Rocca di Parlascio, in the territory of Casciano Terme.
The territory of Parlascio, in a strategic position between Pisa and Volterra, seemed to function as a link between the area controlled by the town situated at the mouth of the river Arno and the territory of Volterra. Past excavations have brought to light the remains of a large settlement that stood here between the late 7th century B.C. and the late Classical period.

This year, the excavation continued of the fill of the cut, thought to be that for a dwelling, c. 2 × 2 m and almost 2.40 m deep at the north-west end. This structure has been the object of investigations during several campaigns and is characterized by a stratigraphy of substantial layers of sediments, rich in archaeological materials, which appear intentionally dumped. At the bottom of the cut there was sort of step that was created in the sterile soil in addition to two pairs of niches, perhaps for housing timber posts. Further excavation is required in order to define the structure’s phases of use and abandonment.

At the same time, the excavation of a substantial cylindrical underground structure continued. Probably a bothros, it is c. 2.40 m in diameter and since 2007 numerous layers containing archaeological materials have been excavated. This season, about one metre of sediment was removed, reaching a depth of 7.84 m. As the layers continue to produce finds, the excavation of this structure will continue. Although the materials have yet to be study, it can be said that they are chronologically coherent, all concentrated between the archaic and early Classical periods.
The excavations involved students from several Italian and European universities, assisted by volunteers from Gruppo Archeologico Le Rocche di Casciana.