Final Summary

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Excavation of CA33, located on the northern slope of Poggio Civitate, was undertaken in the hope of discovering evidence for additional habitation on Poggio Civitate beyond the confines of Piano del Tesoro.  The ensuing discovery of a possible kiln/oven for metallurgical production in CA33, an area which is located ca. 30 meters from Piano del Tesoro, has now greatly expanded the known area of ancient activity on Poggio Civitate and points even more strongly to the posssiblity of a wider pattern of habitation on the site.  The identification of the kiln/oven which was originally designated only as a "pit feature", as a possible forno was not clearly

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apparent until it had been substantially excavated.  Missing during the initial phases of excavation were traces either of the heavy burning or production material which are commonly associated with metallurgical production.   Itw as not until both the structure of the possible "kiln/oven" was ascertained and more of the surrounding area had been excavated that the identification of the feature as a kiln/oven became possible.  Described briefly, the feature may be best termed elliptical in shape and is surrounded on the east, west and part of the north side by a red stain of ca. 5-10 cm. in thickness probably produced by intense burning.  Directly inside of the

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red stain on the west and the northenr portion of the east side are preserved a single row of irregularly shaped stones, which appear to have served as a foundation.  In addition , also preserved behind the stones on the west and also partially behind those to the east is a thin line of plaster.  The precise purpose of this plaster, which appears to have formed an interior lining, remains unclear.  Notable as well to the north of the feature are patches of soil blackened by burn.  Finally, careful analysis of the stratigraphy of the east trench baulk in meters I/11-13 would appear to indicate the outline of a "cupola", evident from both ascending stones and a distinct

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soil change, over the structure.  The possible identification of the feature as a "kiln/oven" was also substantially strenghtened bby the discovery of notable quantitiy of small piecdes of vitrified tile, slag adn carbonizd wood to the northeast in meters J-K/13-15.  It appears that this material may have been swept out of the "kiln/oven" and into what seems to be a refuse pit.  Further excavation, however, will be necessary to identify the feature with certainty.  Of primary importance will be the continued excavation of the eastern portion of the structure and the obtainment of a complete stratigraphical sequence by means of excavation through the structure's "floor" level.  Also of interest will be

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the continued clearing and investigation of the rock concentration in meters J-K/14-15 in order to determine its relationship to the "roasting pit."