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AIAC_2866 - Montelabate - 2012
The 2012 excavation season focused on the site of Col di Marzo, where three trenches (IJ, K and FLM) were enlarged from the 2011 season, expanding knowledge of the third-fourth and sixth century BC.
The principal occupation of the site is dated to the fourth century, the moment of proper consolidation of the frontier between Etruscans and Umbrians, and the novelties of the current season were the discovery of parallel drystone foundations of terracing with adjoining weaving sheds (loom weights and spindle whorls) and living areas (hearths, grinding stones, ceramic sieves, firedogs, animal and plant remains), demarcated by drystone foundations once covered by pisé walls and tiled roofs. A substantial drainage system seems to have been erected at right angles to the main terraces, perhaps carrying rain water from the upper part of the hill to storage areas on a lower part of the living terrace.
Initial analysis seems to indicate spatial differentiation of activities within these locales, ranging from weaving to cooking, cheese and wine production. These third-fourth century BC structures were laid out on a rectilinear plan, whereas the underlying sixth century deposits seem to occupy more curvilinear structures. A substantial flotation programme worked through more than 2000 litres of sediment for the recovery of microfauna, landsnails, charcoal and floral remains, and these are now in the course of analysis.
Initial examination of the animal bones suggests the presence of sheep, pig, cattle, dog and bird in order of importance. Initial examination of the carbonised seeds shows the presence of cereals (wheat, barley etc), grape and beans. Phytolith and micromorphological samples were also recovered.
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AIAC_2866 - Montelabate - 2013
The 2013 excavation season focused on the site of Col di Marzo, where one trench was enlarged from the 2013 season, expanding knowledge of the third-fourth century BC.
The principal occupation of the site is dated to the fourth century, the moment of proper consolidation of the frontier between Etruscans and Umbrians, and the novelties of the current season were the discovery of a new house structure with living areas (hearths, grinding stones, ceramic sieves, firedogs, animal and plant remains), a new drainage system and yard area, as well as an underlying ditch structure. Initial analysis seems to indicate spatial differentiation of activities within these locales, ranging from weaving to cooking, cheese and wine production. These third-fourth century BC structures were laid out on a rectilinear plan, whereas the underlying sixth century deposits seem to occupy more curvilinear structures. A substantial flotation programme now totals 4000 litres of sediment for the recovery of microfauna, landsnails, charcoal and floral remains, and these are now in the course of analysis. Initial examination of the animal bones suggests the presence of sheep, pig, cattle, dog and bird in order of importance. Initial examination of the carbonised seeds shows the presence of cereals (wheat, barley etc), grape and beans. Phytolith and micromorphological samples were also recovered.
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AIAC_2993 - Montelabate - 2012
The 2012 excavation within a space of some 25 x 40 m introduced 6 trenches over an area identified by both the Superintendency and the September 2010 field survey as a Roman amphora and pottery kiln.
Four kilns (two set into each other), three ceramic dumps and a possible workshop area were uncovered. Preliminary analysis suggests a first phase of production of flat bottomed amphorae of the so called Spello/Ostia III, III, 369-370 type as well as more limited firing of coarse and thin walled pottery, dating from the middle of the first century to the end of the second century AD. The workshop continued to produce, albeit at a slower rate, coarse pottery and tiles until the fourth century BC. The same area also contained a late Roman cemetery, as was known from Superintendency reports and field survey in 2010, but no trace was found during excavation.
The first kiln measured 3.25 x 3.10m and consisted of the _praefurnium_ and the firing chamber. The second kiln had two phases one inserted within the other where the first was 2.45 x 2.80m and the second 1.25 x 4.0 m with a last firing of tile. The third kiln was set on slightly higher ground and measured 6.15 x 2.30 m and contained a last firing of amphorae and thin walled pottery. There was a notable dump of amphorae located in between the first and second kiln. Another ceramic dump located between kiln 2 and 3 was associated with drystone buildings. A further ceramic dump bordered a local access road.