In 2001 research on the area of Colle della Noce were resumed, where the Soprintendenza had already worked and obtained notable results nearly 20 years ago. Between 1981 and 1983, in fact, a series of investigational campaigns and archaeological excavations were conducted on the summit of the tufaceous plateau which among other things brought to light the foundations of a large sanctuary. In the course of the recent works more extensive soundings and archaeological excavations were made both on the interior of the area in opus reticolatum of the early imperial period (situated in the immediate vicinity of the sanctuary), and in a large rectangular edifice in opus quadratum of tufo. The purpose of the work was to verify in sections the stratigraphy of the fill of the rectangular structure down to the underlying bank of tufo, and to completely unearth the side walls down to the foundation level in blocks of tufo. Once the work was finished it was clear that there was only a single archaeological layer inside the structure. In the course of the excavation numerous terracotta materials were discovered, as well as an almost quadrangular sheet of lead (9.1 cm high x 13.06 cm long), on which is incised a brief Etruscan inscription subdivided in two lines. The piece has been studied by Prof. Giovanni Colonna and is now in the process of being published. The other materials discovered consist essentially of ceramic fragments of brown and red impasto from the orientalizing period, materials of coarse ware, fragments of pottery in bucchero datable between the end of the seventh and first half of the sixth century BC, materials of coarse cream ware, and fragments of pottery in black glaze. (Francesco di Mario)