The investigation has been completed of the area of the sanctuary excavated by Emanuele Greco (Università Orientale di Napoli) in 1987-88.
Trench I revealed two long ditches filled with dark earth and debris (second half of the 4th – first half 3rd century B.C.). The first trench contained numerous fragments of plain common ware and black glaze ware, thymiateria, loom weights (one with a graffito of Greek letters), terracotta figurines some of which relate to the Paestum type showing the goddess enthroned, wearing a polos and holding a phiale in her right hand. The second ditch produced female figurines and thymiateria, an iron spearhead, a large quantity of black glaze ware (skyphoi, cups and plates) and a large fragment of a Red-figure bell-krater. The skyphos and the krater are forms present in banqueting services and their presence here takes on a certain significance when placed in relationship to the nearby rectangular building. This has been identified as a banqueting hall for the men who frequented the sanctuary. Also of importance is the discovery, on the bottom of the ditch, of charcoal remains, traces of burning and bones which are probably the remains of animal sacrifices.
The second trench was excavated to test the westward extension of the site.
As regards the earlier phases of the sanctuary, a burial came to light, its walls lined with small stones, but without a cover, containing an individual perhaps buried in a fetal position. The grave goods was composed of a rough impasto jar, a small jar and a trozzella (a Messapian vase form) with bi-chrome geometric decoration. The burial can be dated to the second half of the 6th century B.C. It is situated within an area containing earlier structures which are attested by a substantial stretch of wall built with stones of medium and large dimension. (Maria Luisa Nava)