The excavations on the site of Cuol di Ciastiel are part of a wider historical-archaeological project, begun in 2005, to analyse settlement in the Upper Tagliamento Valley between the late antique and medieval periods. The project has undertaken excavations on various sites in the municipalities of Forni di Sopra, Forni di Sotto and Ampezzo.
In the light of the archaeological data collected and on the basis of comparisons with similar evidence from the peninsula and in neighbouring alpine territories (in particular Slovenia and Austria) an articulated interpretation can be made of this site which, generically, can be considered on of the so-called first generation fortifications. However, it is characterised by a number of distinctive features.

In particular, the positioning of this type of site in a marginal area suggests a reconsideration of the importance of a number of secondary roads, which maintained a level of strategic importance in the late imperial period, and on the role of the central government in controlling the economy of the alpine areas.

Cuol di Ciastiel differs from other similar sites for the relative simplification of its structures and for the short occupation period between the 4th-5th century A.D. Despite its short period of use a great variety of finds were recovered, in particular imported sigillata, amphorae, glass, bronze and iron elements, including a number of female ornaments, several coins and a substantial quantity of paleo-botanical finds.

About two thirds of the area occupied by the castrum have been investigated. As well as the excavation of the archaeological deposits and the finds study, work has begun on the conservation of the excavated structures with the aim of opening the site to the public.