This was the second excavation campaign carried out by CNR’s Institute of Ancient Mediterranean Studies, in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendency of Lazio and Rome – La Sapienza University at the Roman villa of Cottanello (RI). Work continued in room 25 in the baths complex on the excavation of the substantial accumulation of rubble from the destruction of a hypocaust. A new trench was opened west of the baths with the aim of defining the links between the rooms in the baths and those identified to the west of the excavation area, outside the roofed-in area, already investigated by La Sapienza in 2010 (trenches IV and V). The removal of the modern layer relating to the previous excavations revealed several occupation layers with the presence of hearths, a structure used to support a timber roof, and materials indicating that a small area destined for the conservation of dry foodstuffs was situated in the southern part of the trench.

Topographical and geophysical survey and photogrammetric documentation began, as well as research on the types of mortar, wall plaster colours and the state of conservation of the plaster itself and of the floor mosaics.