Conclusion

CA94 was opened in 2023 for the following reasons:

1- To gain a better understanding of human activity in the area from the iron age.

2- To search for additional examples of non-elite habitation at Poggio Civitate, especially in the area east of the 2007 well.

3- To gain a better understanding of the use of positive or negative space surrounding the well; especially in establishing an understanding of the midden found in CA92.

Unfortunately CA94 was not able to achieve objectives 1 or 2. However objective 3 could be understood to have been achieved in the following context: Negative space just north of the midden at levels of bedrock demonstrates the lack of connectivity through this trench with the midden of CA92. If there was a partial connection to this midden it may be found in several small artifacts found in CA94, including a small piece of bronze, an iron nail or tack, and small bits of slag. These small artifacts, deemed “special finds”, may be the result of erosion processes downhill (north) into CA94. However, as these finds, along with the tumbled potter and tile were in the topsoil layer, it is impossible to determine if they are related to the midden of CA92 or just settled in CA94 by natural erosion processes from anywhere in the surrounding area. As trenches which have been deemed sterile have been opened just north, south, and northeast of the midden in CA92, it may be worthwhile to test the west side of the midden, closer to the well.