In the first months of 2006 excavations were undertaken on the Monticello property at San Paolo Belsito, an area situated along the north-western slope of the low plateau of Montesano, close to the known sites of Vignae di Ponticello – Starza, now being placed under restriction orders. Three occupation levels were investigated, datable to the early part of the early middle Bronze Age, alternating with two prehistoric Vesuvian eruptions AP 1 (3420 ± 100 – 3480 ± 60 B.P.) and AP 2 (3225 ± 140 – 3250 ± 70 B.P.). An ample sector of the early Bronze Age site was also investigated.

Investigation of the ancient ground surface, of average dampness, revealed a ploughed field characterised by the presence of furrows and sub-parallel ridges. This first level covered a second, very damp, ancient ground surface, formed on top of the AP 21 eruption, to which related a channel with a conical profile. This was probably part of a more complex system for regulating the flow of rainwater from the plateau.

The second eruptive level (AP 1) overlay a mature pumice surface situated on top of the “pomici di Avellino” eruption (3451 B.P.). The excavation revealed numerous post holes belonging to a structure, of which the size and function remain unsure at present. The typological characteristics of the abundant pottery found in the three levels dated to the earlier part of the early middle Bronze Age and presented notable parallels with the pottery found in other Campanian proto-Apennine complexes.

The removal of the third ancient ground level also revealed two channels in the “pomici di Avellino”, eruptive level. On an east-west alignment they were made by the natural erosion caused by rainwater or spring water in the pyroclastic layer and were filled with ash from the same eruptive phase. Following the removal of this thick blanket of material a natural environment with various types of occupation evidence came to light.