In 2006 excavations were undertaken on the area south of the temple-cryptoporticus belonging to a series of building complexes of early Imperial date. These were served by a graveled passageway and had clearly undergone structural alterations in the mid-3rd century A.D. The building investigated was named “of the well” after one was found situated in a courtyard area paved with limestone slabs, of the mid-Imperial period, linked to the outside by a stairway. A stretch of basalt road was also brought to light situated on an east-west alignment. Circa 2.10 m wide with footings and pavements it delimits the area of the temple-cryptoporticus to the south. To be noted is the recovery of a large marble krater of Neo-Attic type, whose fragments had been re-used in later walls. Its relief decoration shows a line of female figures (nymphs) who, hand in hand, dance towards the left. Of the original composition only five figures remain, however, the development of the decoration must have included at least another two dancers. The relief is elegant and formal, characterised by the manneristic stylization of the figures which reproposes the ornamental language of the Archaistic style.
In the forum area research continued aimed at uncovering the monuments facing onto the piazza to the north and west, in particular the porticoed buildings relating to the main phase of monumentalisation in the Tiberio-Claudian period. The excavation reached down to the earliest phase of the colony of Urbs Salvia (end of the 2nd century B.C.) attested by the remains of buildings, sandstone column bases and beaten pavements.
Another building was partially excavated, characterised by a central apsidal pool (the floor of which was in marble from Sciro), abutted by two small almost square spaces, all with waterproof plaster. The structure’s plan and topographical position suggest that it was a small bath complex. (Giovanna M. Fabrini)