The investigations undertaken in the area of the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica aimed to ascertain the structural stability of the foundations of several pilasters and niches supporting the cupola which is still in situ. The trenches dug revealed evidence of five construction and occupation phases on the site.

Period I (early to middle Imperial period)

The earliest evidence of building activity on the site is documented by a collapsed wall, foundation structures and floors in beaten earth and opus signinum. The layer of earth covering the floors contained pottery datable to the 1st/2nd century A.D.

Period II (4th century A.D.)

In period II a decagonal hall was added, of which the remains of brick floors, several praefurniae and bath pools were seen. Several bricks bore stamps datable to the beginning of the 4th century A.D. A number of suspensurae were preserved on the hypocaust floor on top of which the floor of the bath pools would have originally rested. The pools were probably made of opus signinum and faced, as would have been the niches, with marble slabs and opus sectile decoration.

Period III

This period is attested by heavy robbing of building materials and the decorative elements.

Period IV (modern era – 19th century)

A large ditch was excavated along the exterior of the monument, removing part of the floor and walls. The fill from the ditch contained modern pottery, including glazed wares and majolica. The levelling carried out inside the aula was undertaken in the 19th century. This lowering of the ground level led to the removal of the aula’s original structures and floors and archaeological levels relating to structures pre-dating the aula were reached.

Period V (modern era – 20th century)

Excavations were undertaken by F. W. Deichmann in the 1940s and 50s following the construction of a sewer. Unpublished excavations were undertaken by the Archaeological Superintendency for Rome in the 1980s. (Mariarosaria Barbera, Paola Palazzo)