M3

(fig. 81)

(Nancy Proctor, 1992)

Fig. 81: M3, plan and section.

The earliest layer in the trench, 9, was bright red, identical to the paleosoil of this hill but for a few fragments of pottery: it was probably redeposited during construction activities. Over it, 8 was very similar but contained a substantial amount of charcoal, particularly in the east corner of the trench where there may have been a hearth. Both layers contain sherds of possibly archaic impasto, as well as black glaze. The wall of the insula, 4, was built over 8: this was faced only on one side, and may have constituted a foundation for the wall of the building. Packed against it was a deposit of red-brown clay, 7, with gravel, stones, bone and a little pottery. Over it, a compaction, 6, may represent a yard surface. The destruction sequence, all of which lies over the wall, contains a certain amount of midden refuse, as well as stones (5) and decomposed pis» de terre (3). The last of these (2) contains a large amount of stones, which may derive from clearing or leveling upslope, in the area of IV G. Arretine pottery was found only in the destruction material, which suggests that the area did not form part of the Augustan settlement.