This research aimed at investigating the middle and late Bronze Age settlement and the Ligurian settlement on the terracing which was occupied between the 6th and 2nd centuries B.C. and then occupied sporadically until the early Imperial period. In the area of trench 1 evidence emerged for occupation on the upper plain of Monte Vallassa beginning in the early middle Neolithic period followed by sporadic but characteristic evidence from the Neolithic. More substantial evidence begins in the middle Bronze Age, the period to which the permanent village dates, characterized by defensive and sustaining walls for the land chosen for the siting of dwellings. Trench 5 indicated that the organization of the area datable to the 5th century B.C. was preceded by an earlier occupation phase in the 6th century B.C. The discovery of various types of structure still in situ such as fragments of wall, post holes, areas of beaten floors and hearths, as well as evidence of repeated leveling carried out by cutting into natural and the bedrock, demonstrate the substantial nature of settlement here during the 6th century B.C. As well as the numerous fragments of more or less coarse impasto pottery (ovoid jars, carenated bowls, smooth truncated-cone shaped bowls), fine ware pottery was also found (bucchero, burnished wares). The careful investigation of the site, as well as revealing rich and detailed evidence about the ancient Ligurian people, is now beginning to bring to light evidence regarding the reoccupation of the Apennine highlands during the 6th century B.C. and of the related phenomenon which seems in some ways to repeat what happened in the late middle and late Bronze Age. This occupation and exploitation of the upland plain re-establishes an economic system which, initially, interested the foothills and later the higher areas, involved in an exchange network with the plains which could not be omitted from the resource supply chain. In this sense one of the factors which must have influenced the choice of a site on Monte Valassa, which has to be seen as part of an overall settlement strategy, must be sought in the mount’s strategic position, an aspect which also appears characteristic of the earlier occupation phases on the site. (Cristina Chiaramonte Treré)

The continuation of excavations in 2007 and 2008 increased the available data regarding the Middle-Late Bronze Age occupation levels on the small plateau on top of the saddle between the cliff to the south and the summit of mount Vallassa to the north (trench 1). New data regarding the Iron Age levels was uncovered on the ample lower terrace situated along the north side of the hill and delimited by an imposing containing structure (trenches 5 and 6). Thanks to the extension of trench 1 towards the east, the removal of a sequence of layers characterised by a steep west to east slope (probably the result of slippage towards the steep eastern slope) brought to light the top of a partially collapsed wall. This was on a north-south alignment and therefore at a right angle to the cliff, which it abutted with a number of slabs placed edgeways. A preliminary analysis indicated that this structure was built using the so-called waterfall technique, with partially overlapping stones and slabs of varying dimensions, probably to form a containing structure at the far eastern end of the plateau. The presence of this structure may explain the partial preservation of the layers and structures in situ in the central part of the trench, an area otherwise subjected to heavy slippage and erosion. At present no date can be proposed for the wall; useful dating elements may derive from the continuation of the investigation and a comparison with the data from the layers nearest to this sector, excavated during the University’s first campaigns (1995-1997). The reopening of excavations in trench 5 aimed at reaching down to the sterile substratum which, as partially seen in preceding campaigns, had been levelled in a series of interventions aimed at increasing the usable space in this area. Thus the sector of visible floor level, already identified in the north-eastern part of the trench was increased. The floor was constituted by chipped and crushed sandstone pressed and mixed with a bonding material and was delimited to the north by a wall circa 20 cm thick. The wall seemed to represent the northern limit of a room on whose occupation level there was at least one hearth, whilst the north-western limit seemed to be constituted by a large stone slab (threshold?). The presence of previously identified structures in the south-eastern sector of the trench may constitute the southern limit, whilst it was not possible to establish the eastern limit. A probable hearth constituted by a flat area of baked clay and a patch of ash, as well as other evidence of more difficult interpretation, seemed to pre-date the construction of this structure. Lastly, at the base of the stratigraphic sequence the sterile substratum was reached across the entire area of the trench. This level presented diverse cuts, including post-holes (one of which of substantial size) and traces of a probable timber element, evidence which seemed to relate to the first phase of occupation in this sector. As regards the chronology of this earliest phase the state of preservation of the pottery (not particularly abundant or diagnostic) did not consent precise dating. However, a date still within the 6th century B.C. may be proposed for the earliest occupation. East of trench 5 another, smaller (circa 4 x 3 m), trench was opened, known as trench 6. Investigations in this area concentrated on the evidence for the second Iron Age, as an area of burning comprising several overlying clay floors and pottery fragments was uncovered. The existence of several overlying cuts seemed linked to the necessity for repeated interventions for the maintenance and renewal of these structures (partial removal of the deposit, levelling of the surface, preparation of a new floor). The analysis of the pottery recovered indicates a rather homogeneous chronology, between the end of the 4th and the 3rd century B.C. Despite the difficulty in establishing a more precise chronology for Ligurian pottery of the second Iron Age, in the absence of imports that provide reference points, it does however seem possible to suggest, on the basis of the identified finds, the frequency with which these cuts were made.

The research on Monte Valassa in the area of the site known as Guardamonte, aims to further knowledge of the Middle and Recent Bronze Age settlement and of the Ligurian terrace settlement occupied between the 4th and 2nd century B.C., with sporadic occupation until the imperial period. Work continued in June 2010 concentrating on the area of Trench 5, already excavated in previous years. Here, a stratigraphy over 2.20 m thick was investigated, relating to the Iron Age Ligurian settlement. The intervention was limited to cleaning with the collection of removable materials, photography and the digitising of the data. The main object of the investigation was the visible part of the ancient dry-stone containing walls and those of several related structures. These had been uncovered during previous campaigns and were still partially visible, constituted by stones and boulders, some of substantial dimensions, of Monte Vallassa sandstone. The procedure was necessary as part of the intervention to consolidate the structures in view of the enhancement of the archaeological area as part of the project Indagini nell’abitato arcaico del castelliere celto-ligure del Guardamonte (Archaeological Superintendency, Regione Alessandria, Regione Lombardia). The project foresees the excavation and consolidation of the remains of a corner of the Ligurian 4th-3rd century B.C. settlement. Once consolidated the remains will constitute the object of further study but at the same time will enhance the site and extend the area open to visitors. At the moment this work is underway on a room delimited by terracing walls which in the 4th century and still earlier in the 6th century B.C. had enabled the inhabitants to recover large surfaces on which to construct their huts or productive structures. The latter were often built abutting the terracing wall whose double function was documented during the excavation. The visible walls were cleaned and other, previously back-filled, structures were uncovered and cleaned. This work also produced new information regarding construction techniques and structural interventions in the settlement. The structures were then newly surveyed using a total station and photogrammetric imaging and put into CAD. Following the cleaning circa fifty fragments of impasto pottery were collected, corresponding to the usual repertory of Iron Age Ligurian vases found in previous campaigns. The entire area was then reorganised in preparation for the opening to visitors following the consolidation of the structures.

Oggetto delle operazioni è stata la parte a vista di opere murarie a secco di contenimento e di alcune strutture connesse, messe in luce nel corso delle precedenti campagne di scavo e ancora oggi in parte visibili, costituite da pietre e massi di arenaria del Monte Vallassa. Sono stati riscoperti e ripuliti i muri e i resti delle strutture murarie che costituivano i limiti di un vano del IV-III secolo a.C. sulla terrazza mediana del versante meridionale del Monte Vallassa. Interventi di consolidamento e parziale riposizionamento delle strutture trovate in situ sono stati resi necessari in vista della valorizzazione dell’area interessata dagli scavi archeologici nel corso degli ultimi quindici anni. La valorizzazione è stata effettuata mediante un’opera di ricostruzione con il contributo erogato dalla Regione Lombardia nell’ambito del progetto “Indagini nell’abitato arcaico del castelliere celto-ligure del Guardamonte”. Si è riportato a luce e un angolo di abitato ligure di IV-III secolo a.C. tramite consolidamento dei resti secondo le modalità concordate con la Soprintendenza. Il sito archeologico è parte integrante del Parco archeologico-naturalistico del Guardamonte che, esteso sui due versanti lombardo e piemontese, del Monte Vallassa, è stato realizzato dalla Provincia di Alessandria dopo aver acquistato i terreni di proprietà privata. Si è così restituita alla comprensione del visitatore un ambiente delimitato da strutture murarie di terrazzamento che nel IV e ancor prima nel VI a.C. avevano dato modo agli abitanti del luogo di recuperare più ampi piani su cui impostare le loro capanne o i loro ambienti produttivi. Questi ultimi in più casi dovevano appoggiarsi alle mura di terrazzamento la cui doppia funzione è stata letta nel corso dello scavo. Le strutture rimesse in luce sono state fatte oggetto di un dettagliato rilevamento con Stazione Totale elettronica e laser, integrato con supporti manuali e tramite la realizzazione di immagini fotogrammetriche specifiche, e riversato su supporto digitale CAD. A seguito delle operazioni di pulitura sono stati raccolti circa 70 frammenti ceramici in impasto, corrispondenti al consueto repertorio di vasellame ligure dell’età del Ferro, già rinvenuto nelle campagne precedenti. L’intera area è stata quindi risistemata con regolarizzazione dei limiti entro i quali sono state rese visibili le realtà archeologiche scavate dopo la realizzazione del restauro conservativo. Per dare maggiore stabilità alla porzione ricostruita, ci si è serviti di argilla locale (dalle notevoli proprietà plastiche e adesive) miscelata ad acqua e, per l’allettamento dei massi di maggiori dimensioni, a malta naturale a base di calce naturale, pozzolana naturale, pietra, marmo e granito. Lo stesso impasto a base di argilla, acqua e biocalce Pietra Kerakoll è stato utilizzato per l’allettamento dei massi che erano precariamente appoggiati sui sottostanti nella porzione di muro già in situ.

Excavations continued in trenches 5 and 6 and a new area, trench 9, was opened. This project, _Indagini nell’abitato arcaico del Castelliere celto-ligure del Guardamonte _, began in 2011. As part of this project, work began on consolidating the remains in trench 5, rendering the layout of a room delimited by terrace walls comprehensible to visitors. In the 4th century and even earlier in the 6th century B.C. this terracing had enabled the inhabitants to create ample level surfaces on which to build their huts and productive areas. Also as part of the project to enhance the area for visitors, the other objective of this year’s campaign consisted in the experimental reconstruction of a pottery kiln, whose remains were excavated in previous years within the above-mentioned room. In trench 6, US 235, a deep layer extending across the entire trench was removed. This revealed the presence of several structures proba bly connected with the use of fire, the nature of which will be investigated in coming campaigns. Trench 9 was opened immediately north of trench 6 and east of trench 5 and covered an area of c. 2.80 x 2.90 m. This trench was excavated in order to check for the presence and continuation of wall US 33, running on an east-west alignment in the northern part of trench 5. In the central-southern part of the trench, the upper part of a section of wall (US 324) was exposed. This was the eastern continuation of the wall in trench 5. The removal of US 323 in the south-western part of the trench, revealed a part of a new layer US 333 (to be excavated), that was yellowish in colour, and several stones perhaps relating to structure US 324. Although the exact nature of the evidence exposed during this campaign needs further clarification, it may be assumed that it is part of the continuation of the terrace wall towards the east, as was shown by the geomorphology of the terrain. The stratigraphic analysis confirmed the preliminary interpretations regarding the construction characteristics of the terracing in this area.

During this campaign work continued on organizing the excavation area so that it can be visited by the public. In 2011, a project financed by the Lombardy regional administration began, which involved the consolidation of the remains in order to recreate a 6th-4th century B.C. room. At the same time a pottery kiln was reconstructed and tested. The results confirmed the characteristics and functioning of the structure: the draw was efficient and the necessary temperature was reached. The experimentation provided the occasion for the organisation of a public event in June 2013. The initiative, although a scientific undertaking, demonstrated the potential of this reconstruction to interest the public in the results of the research at Guardamonte even though the site has no monumental remains (fig. 1). TRENCH 5 A sequence of containing walls for the plateau appeared in this trench, starting with a massive structure dating of the 6th century B.C. The new excavations showed that the walls downhill were not parallel to the 4th-3rd century B.C. wall further up hill. The line of the earlier wall differs from that of the upper wall US 33, noticeably diverging from it, and continuing to the east on a more exterior line, towards the valley floor. Consequently, to the west the earlier wall forms a recess towards the plateau edge, gradually converging towards the later wall and finally disappearing under it. The impressiveness of the containing structures was clearer in the west part of the trench. This stretch of wall seemed to be constituted by the overlapping of diverse structures that must have been the result of the laying of new courses made necessary by the gradual rise in the level of the occupation layers as well as the gradual moving back up hill of the internal line of the wall. The deepening of the excavation in the lower, outermost zone revealed the crests of parallel curtain walls US 77 and US 135, running at a lower level with respect to the roof of the deposit in trench 5, along the edge of the plateau. The space between the two walls was occupied by US 351 a silty clay layer. The surface was flat and sloped from S/W towards the N/E and the layer was rich in pottery fragments and tile suggesting this was an accumulation of material resulting from processes that occurred during the successive phases of abandonment of the fortified prehistoric settlement. The removal of this stratigraphy revealed a layer that appeared to be “paved” with rough-hewn stones. Further excavation is required, however it is suggested that this was a sort of “balcony” sloping up towards the plateau. (figs. 2,3,4,5). These remains seem to outline an ancient entrance into the fortified settlement that provided access to the plateau by climbing from the great terrace, close to the central area of the entire complex. The 4th-3rd century B.C. phase saw restructuring in the form of a rise in the occupation level and creation of a larger plateau destined for craft working activities. This would have meant a radical transformation of the settlement, including the obliteration of the early entrance, blocked by the new containing wall, created by the positioning of massive dumps. Entry to the settlement was guaranteed by the route traced along the west side that is still visible on the ground and leads to the plateau. This may already have been in use in the preceding phases but is however coherent with the layout and levels of the later occupation phases. TRENCH 6+9 The situation uncovered north of wall US 324 (continuation of US 33), was characterised by a sequence of layers rich in pottery from the latest phases associated with the phase when the plateau was restructured following the construction of curtain wall US 33 (US 324). The pottery fragments were laid flat side by side to form a surface (US 356, fig. 6). This surface was at the top of the sequence and requires further excavation.