Excavation inside the Rocca degli Alberti is part of the University of Siena’s long running research programme studying settlement dynamics in the territory of the Colline Metallifere (metal ore bearing hills). The programme also includes field survey, excavation of fortified settlements and the mapping of mining areas. Until the present, the territory where Monterotondo Marittimo stands, now characterized by extensive wooded areas, was distinguished by intense mining of mineral deposits. Particularly in the Middle Ages the territory was strongly conditioned by the extraction of coinable metals (copper and silver) which led to the birth of a network of fortified settlements. The latter formed the bases from which the aristocracy, church and citizens controlled the metal producing processes.

Between 2005 and 2008 excavations were undertaken in two areas within the monumental complex known as the Rocca degli Alberti. This involved two separate parts of the complex: the first inside the large building whose standing walls are visible and a second area outside this building which included the entire plateau on which the castle stands.

Two distinct excavation strategies were used. In fact, if for the building the aim was to get straight to the stratigraphy relating to its occupation phases and any evidence of pre-existing settlement in the same area, the aim for the exterior was to carry out an open area excavation of the rest of the site in order to comprehend the development and changes occurring within the settlement over the centuries.