In 2006 the “Sangro Valley Project” continued investigations at Acquachiara on the slopes of Monte Pallano. The circular structure which emerged in 2004 was looked at in more detail although its function remains unknown. This tumulus with conical section (the gradient not very steep) rested directly on the ancient ground level.

In the lower layers, stones and pottery fragments constitute the loose foundation on which rest stones of larger dimensions and dolia fragments, covered by a layer of clay which may have formed the floor. Further south terracing on an E-W alignment was uncovered. Following the creation of the circular structure and the terracing, a layer of beaten white clay was put down in which the “feet” of a series of terracotta doorjambs, tapering to a square section were found. Four of these elements were placed in such a way as to define the corners of a square space which may be interpreted, on the basis of the fragments of a grind-stone and a burnt area of grain and chaff (recovered using flotation), as a granary or area used for working agricultural products. The absence of post holes and the scarce presence of lathing and pisè, suggest that the terrace was part of an outside area.

The dating for the fine ware pottery (bucchero-type and “Etrusco-Corinthian” type painted pottery) does not go beyond the end of the 6th century B.C.; some forms date to the 7th century B.C.. The finds seem to indicate the construction of the terrace and round structure dates to the late 6th-beginning of the 5th century B.C.. The earlier phases are attested by the remains of flint working.

The opening of another two trenches brought to light pottery datable to the Roman period and the identification of a building that can now be interpreted as a Roman farm, where in 2002 an opus signinum floor and large fragments of dolia and amphorae were found. The building, dated in 2002 to circa 100 A.D. on the basis of a cup in terra sigilata orientale, today seems much earlier thanks to finds of Augustan material. The building was in use until the 2nd century A.D., as attested by numerous coins dating from the Republican period to Flavian and Antonine periods.