In the area of the Roman forum in the ancient city of Ardea, outside the walled enclosure and below the acropolis, excavations were undertaken with the principal objectives of remedying the degradation of the area, and creating a visitable archaeological area. Several monuments already known from preceding excavations were brought to light such as the basilica and the podium of a temple, along with other monuments which were previously unknown, such as the imposing thermal complex. A votive pit cut from the tufo was also discovered, only partially investigated by the Stefani in the 30s. The pit was filled with mixed soil of ash and carbon, architectural materials, a few ex voto objects, metal objects, and a large quantity of ceramic household objects (Genucilia plates decorated with female and male profiles and vegetal motifs, kylikes, skyphoi, pitchers, cups, and miniature vases in over-painted black glaze pottery) and animal bones. A few vases feature graffiti in Latin and Greek, in some cases interpretable as dedications to Hercules. The materials date to between the 7th and 1st century BC, with a large concentration between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, and are attributable probably to the religious activities that were happening in the nearby archaic temple (5th – 2nd century BC). (Francesco Di Mario)