The excavations in the locality of Case Nuove, Cinigiano (GR), are part of “The Roman Peasant Project”, developed by the universities of Pennsylvania, Cambridge and Siena.

A tank lined with opus signinum was uncovered next to which were two post holes and a rock-cut tank associated with other negative evidence. These elements suggest the presence of a piece of machinery close to the tank, perhaps a press. North of the rock-cut tank there was a cut interpreted as a dolium housing. Although these features were not linked by stratigraphic relationships it is thought that they were all part of the same production structure.

Next to the rock-cut tank was a silo lined with stones. An opus signinum work surface, probably for the grinding, chopping of an agricultural product, was in phase with the silo. A circular cistern for rain water collection was identified at the southern end of the excavation.

At the northern edge of the excavation area a large oval cut came to light. This contained layers of material interpreted as the waste material resulting from the construction of the diverse structures constituting the site, and in part relating to the occupation of the area.

Further south was a large quadrangular cut which intercepted the clay layers of the hill. It was filled with successive layers of tile and cobbles, whilst the blackish upper levels were rich in charcoal. The original function of this deep and regular cut remains unclear. It is suggested that as it cut into the clay layers it may have been used for extracting the clay used in the pisè constructions, as a matrix for mortar or other construction-related purposes.

The absence of occupation levels, or any stratigraphy placing the above structures into relationship, due to recent ploughing and erosion, meant that the only dating elements were the fills of these features. Preliminary results suggest that the site’s foundation and major period of use occurred between the late 1st century B.C. and the first half of the 1st century A.D.

The cistern contained material datable to the second half of the 2nd century A.D. The fill of the quadrangular cut was the only area of the site characterised by the presence of a few examples of ARS, mainly datable to the first half of the 5th century A.D., and an assemblage of red-slipped tableware, produced regionally, and cooking wares.

During Phase 1 (1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.), the site was probably constituted by the cistern, work surface, tank surrounded by the dolium and possible piece of machinery, as well as the silo. This may represent a small scale production of a liquid product necessitating the use of water; perhaps an oil, deriving from hazelnuts, hemp or another plant.
In the late antique period the structures were in a state of abandonment and filled with detritus.