ArcheoLogica Data 5.1/2025

The paper will preliminarily present the archaeological data acquired during the second phase of the preventive archaeology procedure carried out by Italferr Spa in support of the contracting authority RFI in the locality of Cuticchi (Assoro – Enna). During this phase, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of Enna dictated the excavation on the railway line that will cross the hill from east to west, located south of the modern village of Cuticchi. Along this route, on the eastern slope of the hill, the investigation uncovered a portion of the settlement consisting of ten rooms likely used for production or storage activities, as evidenced by the absence of paved floors, the use of very simple building techniques, combustion areas, terracotta conduits, and the presence of a small furnace. In addition to the rooms, which have been dated to the high imperial age, a section of internal roadway was also revealed. Meanwhile, on the eastern slope of the hill, the extension of the excavation opened during the first phase of the work (T. 52) confirmed the occupation of the area during the Byzantine and early medieval periods. Also, along the railway axis, on the western slope of the hill, a section of a necropolis was uncovered during this phase, consisting mainly of simple pit burials, along with a small group of more monumental tombs, which al- lowed for an initial understanding of the social structure that must have characterized this rural settlement. This suggests the existence of a pars dominica and a group of individuals of higher social status, an element that would explain the important presence of valuable materials among those recovered from the entire area