Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 August 2013
The exploration of the site of Parco S. Stefano began as a rescue operation following the extension of Signor Lorusso's quarry on the right bank of the Gravina. Tombs were known to exist in this locality and a sarcophagus and other burials were found in the first area to be stripped. Signor Losindaco and Professor Vinson, who was working in the area, recovered what sherds they could between 13 and 15 July 1970 and reported the finds to the Soprintendenza alle Antichità of Taranto.
The Soprintendente, Professor Lo Porto, requested the assistance of the British School at Rome and Jon Boutelle and his wife were sent down to supervise the rescue work from 20 July 1970, under the direction of the Soprintendenza. They continued in charge until the end of the excavation on 12 September. Dottoressa Lattanzi and Signor Campi visited the site and advised on the work.