During work to systemize the open area surrounding the new sports hall, five tomb groups dating to between the 6th and the 4th centuries B.C., and a cistern came to light. The cistern, for rain water collection, was of the so-called "bottle" type. Its fill was sealed by the carcass of a cervidae (perhaps a fallow deer) resting upon a deposit containing many joining fragments from pottery vessels including a krater with black and red striped decoration. This may indicate that the cistern, at least in its later phases, had some kind of sacred value attested by the uniform deposit sealed by the carcass, and was perhaps linked to the use of the section of necropolis that has been identified and a group of nearby buildings. The remains of a settlement came to light over a wide area (circa 1.5 hectares) comprising buildings with cobble base, unbaked brick walls and tile roofs. A square structure, with 12m sides, divided into four rooms, was uncovered beneath a thick layer of collapse. The remains of a second building, at least in part used for the storeage of food stuffs and other walls were partially uncovered nearby. The entire complex, which is still to be fully investigated, seems to have been destroyed by a fire. This event can perhaps be linked to the conquest of Forentum by Roman troops during the Samnite Wars (318-317 B.C.; Livy: IX, 20, 9). The importance of this find is underlined by the discovery, nearby, of an early Iron Age tumulus, still partially visible. This contained a female skeleton and a double-spiral bronze fibula. (Maria Luisa Nava)

Investigation continues of a structure uncovered last year in Località San Felice, near the sports hall. It is situated beside an Iron Age tumulus and, despite its shallow depth below ground level, is remarkably well preserved. Work is proceeding with the excavation of the roof collapse and the identification of the perimeter walls. It is obviously a very large building, covering an area of more than 200 sq.m. Due to the preliminary nature of the excavation, it is not yet possible to date this structure. (Maria Luisa Nava)