The enlargement of the SS Pontina in the 1970s led to the discovery of a vast protohistoric inhumation necropolis, related to a settlement on the plateau of Monte Cicoriaro which overlooks the site. The results of the first restorations were shown in an exhibition on pre-Roman Latium (see bibliography). The work continues, however, as a laboratory excavation which has permitted the conservation of numerous tomb groups excavated as blocks of earth in order to ensure their recovery, otherwise impossible in the field. Excavation in the lab is supported by the earlier documentation. The project has now created a a management plan for the 133 tomb groups excavated, comprising around 3000 objects: this includes programming future conservation, constant maintenance of the more delicate objects (metals, amber, leather and bone) and storage on supports or in containers specially designed for exhibition. The first results of this second stage have been presented at the exhibition Memorie dal Sottosuolo (see bibliography), with the aim of illustrating the didactic potential of the project. By now 52 grave groups have been restored, the majority of the objects excavated in the past have been re-examined and documented, including pottery vessels, weapons, chariots and armaments both for war and parade, objects for personal use etc. The material is now preserved in the warehouses of the Protohistoric Section of the Soprintendenza at the MJuseo dell’Alto Medioevo. Tombs 14 and 15, the subject of recent intervention, are permanently exhibited atthe museum of the presidential estate at Castel Porziano.
(Margherita Bedello Tata)