Our research has identified four main structural phases that mark the transformation of the complex from a residential to what was probably part of a commercial or production site.

SA2.4 - Phase 1

The first structural phase in the area is represented by the remains of an opus quadratum wall made of tufa blocks. It is difficult to interpret a structure of this kind given the fragmentary state of the remains, but the presence of Mid Republican burials in the area points to an early chronology.

SA2.4 - Phase 2

During phase 2, the structures of Phase 1 were covered and the area was occupied by a large complex made of two large courtyards flanked by porticoes and divided by a row of small rooms opening onto a corridor. As the ground was sloping from east to west and from north to south, the complex was built accordingly, with supporting vaulted rooms to the west and terracing from north to south. The two courtyards had shallow cocciopesto basins running along the walls of their eastern half. A fistula with a stamp of Domitia Lucilla provides evidence for the ownership of the property and offers a 2^nd century chronology for this phase. 

Our assessment of the basins suggest their possible interpretation for the production of a type of must, called protropum (Vitr. VIII, 3.12; Pliny, NH, 14.85), a high-quality outcome in wine production, that was obtainied by letting juices flow from the grapes bruised under their own weight (Komar, P. 2020. Eastern wines on western tables: consumption, trade and economy in ancient Italy. Brill: 98-99). This would explain the presence of two long and shallow basins, sloping from north to south and connected by a pipe, that could be easily loaded and unloaded and that could also be easily cleaned.

SA2.4 - Phase 3

During phase 3, the whole area was transformed, with the introduction of a road to the west of the property, the transformation of the property into a complex with tabernae and apartments above them and the walling up of the porticoes around the courtyard. Perhaps at the same time, an additional complex was added to the east of the property with courtyards. The chronology of phase 3 is difficult to determine in the absence of finds from soil stratigraphy. We preliminary suggest a chronology spanning from the mid-2^nd to the mid-3^rd centuries CE. A careful re-assessment of the epigraphic and sculptural evidence found in the area suggests that the property might have become an imperial possession from the Severan period and that some of its spaces might have been perhaps used for the storing of food and wine used during public events. 

SA2.4 - Phase 4

During phase 4 the road surface was raised to its current level. The rising of the road level required some degree of adaptation of the existing structures and infrastructures: steps were added on the façade of the tabernae to grant access to the shops. Alongside the steps, the openings of the tabernae were narrowed by the construction of reinforcing pillars. To avoid water and dirt from the streets pouring down into the shops, low walls were built in front of the steps to create a sort of barrier. We can tentatively suggest a 4 century chronology for this transformation. 

(Last update: Thea Ravasi, 13/10/2023)