This was the second excavation campaign on the site of “Le Mure” at Jesolo, undertaken by the Department of Humanities – Venice Ca’ Foscari University – School of Medieval Archaeology, directed by Prof. Sauro Gelichi. An area of almost 300 m2 was opened in order to extend the investigation of the late antique settlement of Equilo. Characterised by residential structures built in mixed technique (reused brick base and walls in perishable materials), it can be attributed to the 5th century A.D. based on the evidence of the substantial amount of pottery recovered. As shown in the previous season, these structures were not occupied for very long. This year, two areas with evidence for production activities relating to iron reduction were identified. These activities seemed to coexist partially with the 5th century settlement. In a later phase, the entire area changed completely, in fact, numerous postholes relating to a structure (dwelling?) only built in perishable materials were identified in an artificial dump of very clean sandy-silt. The finds did not provide any certain indication as to the nature of the structures.

Unfortunately, the floor surfaces had been removed or were badly damaged by the presence of burials from the 7th-8th century. Indeed, it was possible to extend the excavation and make an in depth study of the cemetery phase in the area. Overall, 35 burials were identified, all in earth graves; adult, sub-adult and infants were present; the latter were sometimes accompanied by bone combs. The terminus post quem for dating the funerary use of the area, which extended across the entire trench, was provided by the enchytrismòs burials (babies buried in amphora), in which the amphora were those in use until the end of the 6th-early 7th century. This cemetery phase can probably be associated with the Early Christian basilica, excavated between 1963 and 1987.

Lastly, the identification of a midden and a silo containing pottery datable to the full medieval period (up to the 12th century), which cut into the preceding deposits down to the 5th century phases, attests the presence of structures for food storage, later used as middens and therefore the presence of a structured settlement still existing during the late medieval period.

Well-preserved food remains, basket fragments, and pieces of wooden posts were found within these structures, which through specific analyses will provide a large amount of information on the chronology, ancient environment, economy, and diet, further adding to the rich picture of the material culture of the settlement of Equilo at least from the 5th century onwards.