Within a network of roman villae the site ‘Molino San Vincenzo’ is situated in an agriculturally used region in the mid-Arno- and Pesa-valley. The excavation of the season 2017 lasted from August 6 till August 26 and resulted in the examination of an area called S4/2017. Based on the results derived during excavation work in trench 4 in 2016 and the data obtained by the geophysical prospection (magnetics) in 2013, the new trench was significantly enlarged from c. 30 sqm in 2016 to an extent of c. 121 sqm in 2017. All archaeological layers and interfaces where removed stratigraphically by hand. The stratigraphic units and relations were recorded fully digital in 3D applying a standardized workflow, using a total station (Leica Flexline TS06plus), AutoCAD 2018, TachyCAD (FARO Box 18.0), and Harris Matrix Composer (2.0 b).

Additionally, the archaeological features were documented photographically enabling the production of ‘conventional’ archaeological documentation photos as well as geo-referenced digital surface models applying image-based-modeling (structure-from-motion and multiple-vie-stereo/Agisoft PhotoScan 1.3.x). All data were managed using a geographic information system (ArcGIS 10.4 and QGIS 2.18.x ‘Las Palmas’).

As already noticed during past excavations, the archaeological record has been heavily damaged by deep plowing. Traces of the plows can be found on various locations inside trench 4 (IF 3/6/S4/2017). Aside from some deposits without any finds (e.g. US 1100/S4/2017), however, several meaningful archaeological structures were made: As already partially excavated in 2016, a massive linear structure (c. 11 × 1.7 m, thickness c. avg. 0.9 m) was found, combining a foundation trench and a foundation wall made of pebbles, incorporating a post hole (diameter c. 0.6 m, depth c. 1.2 m). The refilling of the foundation wall consisted out of material which was partially mixed with quite a lot of charcoal and artefacts (USS 1000/ 1200/ 1300/ 1400/ 1500/ 1700/ 1800/ 2000/ 2600/2700/2800, IF 5/7/S4/2017). The linear feature clearly corresponds to the equivalent and very prominent anomaly measured during the geophysical survey (magnetics) in 2013 and proofs the magnetic data in this case. The whole foundation as well as the refilling material were located below the plow zone and therefore relatively well preserved.

Additionally, a drainage (US 2900/S4/2017) was uncovered, presumably dating to modern times as it cuts through the layers covering the foundation trench approximately perpendicularly. A shallow ditch (IF 4/S4/2017) runs in a distance of c. 9 m slightly parallel to US 2900/S4/2017 and may be also seen as the remnant of a former modern drainage. The whole foundation trench as well as the other features had been carved into a Pleistocene riverbed (e.g. US 3100/S4/2017), marking the geological sediments – this was additionally proofed by a sounding (IF 13/S4/2017) which was placed in the centre of the trench.