Thanks to new funding from the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia, researched continued on the Fondo Melliche, in an area previously examined in 2007-2008. Here, the excavation areas regarding both the Iron Age cult structure (sect. A), and the Hellenistic structures (sect. B) were enlarged.
As regards the first phase, a trench placed inside the Hellenistic enclosure intercepted more pits containing votive deposits belonging to the Iron Age cult site. The pits contained impasto and matt-painted pottery, in particular Sub-geometric ware from the Salento (7th century B.C.). The latter was represented by a notable variety of forms (jars, kraters, bowls), almost all in association with proto-Corinthian pottery and banded ware of the east Greek type (kraters in particular). Miniature vases were also present, both local productions (small jars, small bottles) and Greek imports (beakers). Large fragments from cooking stands used for the preparation of the ritual meals were also found in the pits.
As regards sector B, the excavation of the sacred enclosure uncovered during the previous intervention continued. The plan was defined through the identification of several ghost walls. The exposure of a number of walls on a different alignment to those of the building, suggested the presence of an earlier enclosure, also for cult use, probably of archaic date, given the presence nearby of two 5th century B.C. votive deposits (see 2007 summary).
The emptying of the cistern situated next to the enclosure was completed. The fill produced more stone blocks and architectural fragments from the destruction of surrounding buildings. The emptying of the cistern, also revealed a new situation which provided interesting material on which to reflect. It was seen that the excavation of the cistern cut a pre-exisiting Messapian tomb, whose dating has yet to be established. This was the burial of an adult individual, but at the moment no grave goods seem to have been preserved.