The fourth excavation campaign on the site of Montessoro investigated a surface area of 800 m2. The aim was to complete the excavation of rooms explored in the previous campaign in order to gain further evidence for the reconstruction of the settlement’s occupation phases (Roman and late antique). The settlement was probably part of the territory of the municipium of Libarna and was therefore closely linked to the road network, which from Genoa led to the towns of the lower Piedmont region and centres on the Padovan plain.

The investigation inside buildings 2 and 8 (respectively a granary/animal shed and a structure used for craft working activities between the 4th and 5th centuries A.D.) was completed. Excavation continued inside building 7 (probably a house of the same date) and evidence was collected regarding the stratigraphic sequence and activities undertaken in the open area in the western part of the excavation.

The evidence forms a picture that confirms the existence of a farm datable to between the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., installed inside an area that was already occupied by a structure (building 5) between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. The farm comprised four buildings each with a different function: a residential structure with an annexe for metalworking activities (a smithy?) (building 3), a granary/animal shed (building 2), a workshop (building 8), and perhaps another house (building 7). In this period an open area was used for stabling domestic animals. The presence of imported fine tableware (ARS) confirms the farm hypothesis, perhaps run by a small landowner, who had access to wide ranging trade routes and enjoyed a reasonable social and economic status.

Following the abandonment of the complex during the 5th century, a storeroom (building 4), and a house were built (building 1). As the research stands, the chronology and function of building 6 (identified in 2011 and of which scarce remains are preserved between buildings 3 and 7) are unknown.

All structures investigated to date had a quadrangular plan, masonry footings, and wattle walls. They were roofed with tegulae and imbrices.

A final campaign will be undertaken in 2013, which will complete excavation of the stratigraphic sequence in buildings 6 and 7, as well as of the trenches in the western courtyard, in order to finalize the definition of the historical, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental picture of the site. At present it constitutes a unicum for Apennine settlements between the Roman and late antique periods, not only in terms of settlement typology, but also for the methodology: it is the first time that open area excavation has been used on this type of site.