The site of Castel Vaiolo lies on the western slopes of Monte Labbrio (Massif of Monte Amiata) at the top of a modest limestone elliptical hill. The first field survey in 2005 identified a small settlement, which later investigations showed to be of the second half of the 10th century, characterized by the remains of fortifications in drystone walling and the presence of a small artifical vallum which divided the rock outcrops to the east. It is very likely that the site also exploited the notable difference in level on the southern side where the ledges of rock outcrops were cut and adapted to be used as walled circuits.

The first excavation season took place in 2006 and focused on the most western area of the site. The archaeological deposits were not very substantial although they were rich in ceramics and archaeobotanical remains, as well as occasional finds of metal and glass. The great quantity of pottery, most of which was found in situ, therefore allows us to hypothesize that in this area there was an important archaeological palimpsest relating to a castello of the ‘first generation’ of the Amiata area. Occupation however seems to have been short lived and represents a sealed context. Subsequent archaeological field seasons also revealed some post holes, sub-circular in form, cut directly into the rock outcrops.

During the 2007-2008 field season another excavation area was opened at the extreme eastern end of the site which brought to light, under a stone collapse, two short perpendicular stretches of drystone wall, realized with limestone blocks arranged in fairly regular courses.
(Michele Nucciotti)

The pottery from Castel Vaiolo is relatively standardized with a limited variety of forms which indicates that the context belongs to the phase of transformation of the ceramic repertoire characteristic of the 10th and 11th centuries throughout Tuscany. The study of the pottery also allowed the identification of two distinct productions: the first represented by vessels imported from northern Lazio which consist mainly of jars and closed forms; the second, which could be of local production, consisting of testi and some of the jars. Some samples were taken for spot tests aimed at analysing the food residues present on the interior of the vessels. (Jacopo Fabbri)

Soil sampling has permitted the discovery of a notable quantity of archaeobotanical remains. The study of the material is on-going, but the preliminary results have revealed the presence of diverse varieties of cereals (barley, farro and wheat) and legumes ( vicia faba minor and peas). Furthermore the discovery of conspicuous quantity of toasted chestnuts is significant, at present these seem to be the earliest examples identified in Italy. (Roberta Sciortino)