The continuation of excavations in 2007 and 2008 increased the available data regarding the Middle-Late Bronze Age occupation levels on the small plateau on top of the saddle between the cliff to the south and the summit of mount Vallassa to the north (trench 1). New data regarding the Iron Age levels was uncovered on the ample lower terrace situated along the north side of the hill and delimited by an imposing containing structure (trenches 5 and 6).

Thanks to the extension of trench 1 towards the east, the removal of a sequence of layers characterised by a steep west to east slope (probably the result of slippage towards the steep eastern slope) brought to light the top of a partially collapsed wall. This was on a north-south alignment and therefore at a right angle to the cliff, which it abutted with a number of slabs placed edgeways. A preliminary analysis indicated that this structure was built using the so-called waterfall technique, with partially overlapping stones and slabs of varying dimensions, probably to form a containing structure at the far eastern end of the plateau. The presence of this structure may explain the partial preservation of the layers and structures in situ in the central part of the trench, an area otherwise subjected to heavy slippage and erosion. At present no date can be proposed for the wall; useful dating elements may derive from the continuation of the investigation and a comparison with the data from the layers nearest to this sector, excavated during the University’s first campaigns (1995-1997).

The reopening of excavations in trench 5 aimed at reaching down to the sterile substratum which, as partially seen in preceding campaigns, had been levelled in a series of interventions aimed at increasing the usable space in this area. Thus the sector of visible floor level, already identified in the north-eastern part of the trench was increased. The floor was constituted by chipped and crushed sandstone pressed and mixed with a bonding material and was delimited to the north by a wall circa 20 cm thick. The wall seemed to represent the northern limit of a room on whose occupation level there was at least one hearth, whilst the north-western limit seemed to be constituted by a large stone slab (threshold?). The presence of previously identified structures in the south-eastern sector of the trench may constitute the southern limit, whilst it was not possible to establish the eastern limit. A probable hearth constituted by a flat area of baked clay and a patch of ash, as well as other evidence of more difficult interpretation, seemed to pre-date the construction of this structure. Lastly, at the base of the stratigraphic sequence the sterile substratum was reached across the entire area of the trench. This level presented diverse cuts, including post-holes (one of which of substantial size) and traces of a probable timber element, evidence which seemed to relate to the first phase of occupation in this sector. As regards the chronology of this earliest phase the state of preservation of the pottery (not particularly abundant or diagnostic) did not consent precise dating. However, a date still within the 6th century B.C. may be proposed for the earliest occupation.

East of trench 5 another, smaller (circa 4 × 3 m), trench was opened, known as trench 6. Investigations in this area concentrated on the evidence for the second Iron Age, as an area of burning comprising several overlying clay floors and pottery fragments was uncovered. The existence of several overlying cuts seemed linked to the necessity for repeated interventions for the maintenance and renewal of these structures (partial removal of the deposit, levelling of the surface, preparation of a new floor). The analysis of the pottery recovered indicates a rather homogeneous chronology, between the end of the 4th and the 3rd century B.C. Despite the difficulty in establishing a more precise chronology for Ligurian pottery of the second Iron Age, in the absence of imports that provide reference points, it does however seem possible to suggest, on the basis of the identified finds, the frequency with which these cuts were made.