The 2005 campaign excavated two adjacent sectors: “Sector 1” on the south-eastern part of the hill, in correspondence with the plateau uncovered during previous campaigns, and “Sector 4”, further north, in the zone where excavations by the University of Milan had uncovered an outstanding number of oikoi.

Sector 1
A large trench, 9 × 7 m, was put in south of the plateau excavated in previous campaigns, with the aim of clarifying the nature and function of this artificial structuring of the southern edge of the hill. This imposing artificial terracing appeared to be consolidated, along the edge of the hill, by a layer of river cobbles directly overlying a surface belonging to an earlier phase. Immediately south of this beaten surface the remains of one or more kilns emerged which, if subsequent investigations confirm them to be in situ, appeared to be arranged along the hill slope, exploiting both the slope and the artificial terracing to which the beaten surface was attached. To date the upper levels of the collapse have been excavated, constituted by – in the interior a substantial layer of earth mixed with ash – the remains of the vault and of the clay grill, mixed with numerous vitrified elements, bronze elements, remains of burnt wood, a number of spindle whorls and numerous fragments of mostly indigenous pottery. This included thin walled ware jars, found almost intact, impasto pottery, coarse wares and fragments of colonial cups, plain buff ware vases and a handle from a Corinthian amphora.

Most of the vases showed heavy traces of burning on the surface, attesting the fact that the kiln, or kilns, were destroyed when they were still in use. Continuation of the excavation will probably reveal the entire craft-working structure and, in particular, its exact use. It is hoped that it was connected with the production of the substantial amount of pottery that it is known was produced here. In any case, the remains of the kiln constitute some of the earliest well-preserved evidence of this type (7th century B.C.) excavated in Magna Graecia. It is very likely that this is not an isolated find, but was part of a workshop area situated on this part of the hill.

Moreover, the association of Greek and indigenous pottery, in use at the same time in the kiln area, makes it possible to take a new critical look at the historical-archaeological interpretation proposed by previous excavators regarding the existence at Incoronata of an 8th century B.C. indigenous settlement that was clearly distinguished from a subsequent Greek phase. Thus, it appears possible to begin formulating a hypothesis regarding the existence of an intermediate phase, of mixed character, for which the next excavation campaigns will provide a more definitive chronology.

Sector 4
In the central zone of the western area of the hill, between the old trenches P and Q dug by Milan University, a trench was put in with the aim of taking a direct look at the problems of the historical-archaeological interpretation of the structures interpreted to date as oikoi and house-warehouses belonging to the 7th century B.C. Greek settlement.

The excavation brought to light the upper part of a new deposit of stones and pottery fragments, mostly of Greek production (local and imported) mixed together: necks, handles, rims and bases of numerous amphorae, Attic and Corinthian in particular; two oinochoai, a cup and two undecorated louteria, as well as a substantial deposit of shells. Furthermore, the profiles of circular pits belonging to the preceding phase began to appear. Work in the trench, where particular attention was paid to the pottery find contexts and therefore took a long time, will continue next year.