The excavation in the peat basin of Lavagnone, begun in 1989, aim towards a precise definition of the chronology and typology of the dwellings, especially of the early Bronze Age

In the Bronze Age the dwellings emerge as a field packed with stakes: it is possible to distinguish the structure of the earliest palafittes (2010-2008±10 BC) of the BA IA (Lavagnone 2), and the habitat on piles (1984±10-1916±10 BC) of the BA I B (Lavagnone 3). The levels are characterised by dumps (mainly pottery and the remains of food) from dwellings; of note are the remains of some basketwork. In correspondence with the other sector, rows of stakes (phase Ia: 2080-2067±10 BC e sub-phases Ib/c: 2048, 2032±10 BC) could constitute the perimeter of a palafitte village in the tract towards the north-eastern bank, where the base of the deposit has produced the remains of a structure interpreted as a timber trackway, which is coherent with the chronology of the palafitte structures (constructed 207710 BC; subsequent interventions around 2048 e 2010-200810 BC). At Lavagnone the foundation of the settlement, with the creation of the palafittes, the trackway and perhaps a palisade seems to take the form of a planned intervention and spatial organisation, confirming that, initially, the option of a lakeside settlement was rejected in favour of areas that were periodically flooded.
The settlement underwent major expansion in the middle Bronze Age. Contexts from the middle Bronze Age I have been investigated in all sectors of the excavation. A rectangular hut (13 × 6 m), built at ground level with a hearth inside, belongs to the middle Bronze Age II. Occupation during the middle Bronze Age II B is also attested, amongst other things, by fragmentary remains of structures on the north-eastern bank and near the centre of the basin.

The environmental study reveals a harsh landscape with natural forests and an anthropological landscape characterised by cultivations, pastures, meadows and small wooded areas.
The preliminary data regarding the faunal remains shows a minimal presence of wild animals compared to domestic animals (90% more), with a predominance of sheep/goat. The documentary basis comprises a large amount of bone and horn material, which is also interesting as regards the traces of working/butchering and use. (Raffaele C. de Marinis, Marta Rapi)