Two areas were examined situated along the S.S.93 road which skirts around the modern part of the town, built in the 60s and 70s. The first, situated immediately northeast of the stadium, revealed conspicuous traces of a Roman and late antique necropolis on two levels. This was made up of “cappucino” burials overlying others of the “fossa” type built in brick and mortar, containing no grave goods. The dating has been established only on the basis of the type of tiles used to cover the burials. This necropolis shows similarities to the remains found in the area of the modern cemetery (the so-called acropolis), (Tagliente, 1991). Although heavily disturbed by the later tombs described above, the area conserves the usual traces of occupation, pits and disturbed levels, typical of this Daunian centre. However, from the finds recovered, it is possible to infer the presence of a building decorated with architectural terracottas, and a roof with an opaia ( a projection above the roof with a series of openings). In the immediate vicinity a chamber tomb covered by sandstone slabs, that had been robbed in antiquity, was examined.
The second area investigated was situated at c.200m from the first, in the direction of Canosa. During building work, the remains of archaeological levels came to light. These had ben cut by a gas pipeline layed in the 80s and cables for street lighting. A “fossa” type tomb, covered by sandstone slabs was revealed. It contained the skeleton of a young male, deposed in a fetal position, with grave goods comprising ceramic vessels and weapons. These give a 6th century B.C. date for the burial. (Maria Luisa Nava)