The excavations and topographical survey were undertaken as part of the ‘Restauro conservativo, valorizzazione e fruizione dell’area archeologica di Roca Vecchia’ project. The work concentrated on the following areas:

SAS 1, the monumental gate of the Bronze Age fortifications (the object of investigations since 1992). Here three distinct phases were identified (Middle, Recent and Final Bronze Age), each with a different internal layout, different construction technique and gradual rise in the floor level. This large passageway crosses the fortifications to a depth of over 20 m. The terminal part of the entrance to the settlement and one of the interior rooms (north room) remain to be excavated.

In 2017, the stones and soil from the collapses in this area were completely removed reaching the floor surface: Among the finds was an almost complete adult skeleton. This is the second piece of anthropological evidence found inside the gate relating to the military event that culminated with a siege and the destruction of the settlement by fire in the middle Bronze Age 3. In the north room, the collapses were removed down to 30-40 cm above the floor level.
SAS IX. In this area, situated in the north-western quarter of the settlement stood the so-called hut-temple dating to the Final Bronze Age. This was an enormous structure, over 40 m long and 15 m wide, divided into aisles, and situated between two wide roads paved with thick layers of stones and animal bones. This building has been completely excavated during the course of about ten campaigns. Numerous furnishings were found inside and the fragments of several terracotta cooking stands and impasto pottery that had remained in situ were recovered.
SAS XII. During past campaigns, several underground chambers and a large structure identified as a late medieval church (Greek ritual) were investigated in this eastern sector of the Roca peninsula. The floors, part of the walls, the iconostasis, a podium (on which there could have been an altar or throne) and stone benches resting on shaped pillars survive. During this campaign, the remains of this building were cleaned and some of the associated rooms were partly excavated in addition to several multiple burials in graves under the floor. Numerous fragments of painted plaster were recovered. The building’s function seemed to be confirmed by the discovery of a Eucharistic stamp/mould in the fill of a nearby well.