The archaeological investigation looked at one of the larger prehistoric settlements found north of the Fosso Volla. The pyroclastic deposit from the Pollena eruption was identified below the modern plough soil. This sealed a non-intensive Roman agricultural occupation, attested by channels for the collection of surface water, a well, three burials and a number of pits probably dug for agricultural purposes.

In the central sector of the area investigated this evidence directly overlay prehistoric levels; at the edge there was an abandonment layer rich in impasto pottery fragments which showed a clearer break between the occupations of different periods.

The prehistoric occupation was constituted by levels of soil evolution overlying the “pomici di Avellino” volcanic deposit, characterised by a dense series of post holes. Most of the pottery recovered attested an intense occupation of the village datable from the recent and final Bronze Age onwards. Furthermore, the frequency of the post holes, their arrangement and type of fill indicate that in many cases posts had been removed and replaced in such a way as to create a radical and or partial modification of the dwelling.

In the central part of the site the greater concentration of sub-circular medium to small holes, certainly used for posts, suggests the existence, at this point, of the main residential part of the settlement. To the east and west of this central area, the frequency of the holes decreased and their cut was different, still circular but greater in diameter and depth. The fill produced a series of lava stones, often reddened by heat. The characteristics of these pits suggest they may have been ovens. At the western and eastern edges of the settlement was an embankment, built to protect the perimeter of the village.