The excavation investigated the interior of the church of S. Marco (Sect. V), continuing those of 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2009,

In chronological order the structures and stratigraphy found consisted of a stone block, belonging to the podium of the cult building of Classical date, a local limestone column base from the portico next to the temple, a wall (partially investigated during previous seasons) which, in the light of new discoveries can be dated to the late antique period, two distinct successive cemetery phases and two pillar bases relating to late medieval interventions in the cult building.

The 18th century is the terminus ante quem for all the layers, as they were covered by the plastering undertaken in that period as part of the penultimate restoration of the church. The terminus post quem is constituted by ashlar blocks of Classical date, on which the church’s southern perimeter wall was built, obliterated by the excavated stratigraphy.

The area was also used as a cemetery. Seventeen burials were found, datable on the basis of the taphonomic analyses and the stratigraphy to two phases: late medieval characterised by earth graves; Romanesque by burials both in simple earth graves and stone-lined graves.

The most interesting historical-archaeological acquisition was the identification of a Byzantine (6th-7th century) phase, attested by a hoard containing a gold solidus of Justinian, a further six silver coins and pottery of coeval date, as well as walls datable to the same phase. This evidence suggests a Byzantine presence on the site of Piana San Marco, a hypothesis confirmed by the latest finds.

These comprises a stone wall, on which the present church’s facade was built, and finds datable to the 6th-7th century. These included various fragments of “Crecchio” type pottery, cooking jars, small amphorae and two small jugs, as well as sporadic fragments of ARS. Among the glass finds, a disc foot and wall fragment from a goblet, and several rims from cups and a hanging lamp characteristic of the 6th-7th century.