Between the 4th to 1st century B.C. this settlement controlled the trade routes along the Arzino and Tagliamento valleys and a territory with pasture, woodland and small deposits of iron ore (Monte Prat, Planc de la Fontana) which gave rise to metal working activities. A fortified wall was built around the settlement sometime between the 2nd and 1st century B.C., a period of great tension between the Celtic kingdom of Noricum, the local population and the Romans, who were taking an increasing interest in northern Italy and transalpine Europe. This wall was built of earth, stone and wood using the technique typical of the murus gallicus (a Celtic fortification described by Ceasar). During the 1st century B.C. the settlement entered Rome’s sphere of action, as attested by the presence of wine amphora and imported pottery. Its strategic importance was increased by the construction of a specula (watch tower) and a system of terraces and defensive works which turned the settlement into a true fortress. In about 270A.D. the roofs collapsed, perhaps due to an act of war, however restoration work was immediately undertaken which also involved the enlargement and improvement of the buildings. The fortress was in use until the end of 430A.D circa when it was attacked, set on fire and destroyed. After several decades of abandonment the ruins were re-occupied by a very poor population who took refuge here from the dangers of the low-lands. Both men and animals shared the dwellings in conditions of uncertainty and poverty. Around 650A.D. an earthquake caused the last walls of the great house, which had been a sanctuary in the sites earliest phase and the seat of political and religious power within the community, to collapse. The hill became pasture and woodland and the ruins of the tower were occasionally used as a shelter by shepherds and in the mid 10th century as a lime kiln. In the 10th century, during a period of strong demographic and economic growth, a large wooden structure was built over the great house which was by then completely buried and forgotten. (Sara Santoro Bianchi)