The investigations were concentrated in an area that was only partially explored in 1942 by the Istituto Archeologico Germanico of Rome. The aim was to acquire new data regarding this multi-layered site, characterised by circa fifteen centuries of occupation, from the 6th century B.C. to the 9th century A.D. In particular, recent excavations have led to a new interpretation of the complex known as the “Palace” or villa of the Goth king Theodoric.

The villa’s chronology and wealth make it likely that it belonged to Theodoric. It was laid out in several sectors or pavilions, connected by long corridors and ample open spaces. Of particular interest the discovery of the villa’s bath complex, completely excavated during the most recent campaigns. The most exceptional aspect emerging from the remains of this great villa is the chronology, datable, with a measure of certainty, to between the second half of the 5th and the beginning of the 6th century A.D. Therefore this is one of the latest examples, at least within the Italian peninsula, of the typology of great private residences of late antiquity. At the same time it is one of the best-preserved and most reliable examples of what is commonly defined as “palace architecture of the Theodorican period”.

During the 2009 campaign the excavations concentrated on the northern area of the villa. This new trench revealed the remains of earlier (a Roman villa), coeval and later structures. Throughout the decades most of these structures, residences and warehouses, seemed to have “joined” themselves to the large residential complex. The remains of a later building were also present. Of uncertain interpretation (perhaps a monastery) it dates to between the 8th and 9th century.

At present the entire bath complex of the villa of Theodoric is under restoration in preparation for being opened to the public.