Intro CA-59

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Civitate A is defined as the area located to the north of the main road leading to the Piano Del Tesoro, and is comprised of a large portion of the north slope of the hill. This area has been the focus of limited excavations in the past, but in the summer of 1990, the discovery of a roasting pit in trench CA-33, which could possibly indicate metallurgical activity in this area, has increased the importance and interest in excavating here (See JB book I, III 1990). In 1991 a series of trenches were opened in this area in hopes that additional remains of production or possible habitation would be uncovered. Trench CA-37 yielded ceramics primarily made of impasto and courseware with several sherds that joined to make full profiles, and several fragments of plaster preserving a finished edge. The discovery of full profiles in conjunction with the location of CA-37 and finished plaster suggest an ancient deposition rather than erosion or washout area, and could be theorized to indicate a hut floor made from packed clay or plaster. During the 1991 season some exploratory surveying was conducted in the area. A series of three interesting rock formations were discovered and documented, which lie approximately 0-12 meters southeast of the base line. These formations can be described as seemingly

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hollow rectilinearly placed constructions that appear to be oriented on a single axis. The fact that these formations have a shared orientation and regularity in their construction possibly suggests that they were man made (See TT Book I). CA-36 was reopened in 1993 in order to further explore the unusual stone formations. The stratigraphy indicates that a depression is evident immediately beneath the formations, and the distinct and regular transition in the soil suggests an intentionally dug area. It is possible that these areas were used as a midden or pozzo, but the stone cappings render the theory of middens less likely, and nothing specific indicates a tomb. If CA-36 was a midden, this would indicate habitation in this area. Decorated ceramics and bronze fibula suggest a date for the deposition that is slightly earlier than that associated with Piano Del Tesoro (See TT Book IV).

The CA area has not undergone serious excavation and study since the early 90's, so it has been decided to open a series of exploratory trenches to look for more information and evidence of production, habitation or possible burials.

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