In this study are presented the results of the archaeological investigations at the early Hallstattian settlement Saharna „Dealul Mănăstitii”. The research at this site in 2008 were done at 2 sections: no. 4-5. The aim of these investigations was to study the ditch situated south of the defensive system of Saharna Mare fortress and which was found already in the past years. The result was the discovery of two hearths – complex 19-20, two dwellings – complexes 21, 26. The pits 16-19 and the ditch on a surface of 10 m were investigated. The material found in the closed complexes and the ditch have a cultural-chronologic attribution to Cozia-Saharna culture. The ditch explored on a length of 10 m and depth varying from 0,5 to 1,2 m was in fact an extension of the previously investigated ditch.

The result provided the possibility to establish that both its triangular form and the wide rim and narrow bottom represents nothing less than the traces of a wood chassis of a palisade. It is likely that the central and northern part of Saharna Mare promontory was initially strengthened with a palisade which included also the north-eastern part of „Dealul Mănăstirii” settlement. G.D. Smirnov, who had discovered for the first time this ditch, assumed that it was a supplementary defense ditch situated on a parallel line with the fortress wall and ditch.

In order to confirm whether the ditch was contemporary with the fortress’ fortification line, in the southern part of the fortress’ central bastion was traced the section no. 5. Although some material was discovered, the investigations of the cultural layer from the area have shown a complete lack of possible ruins of a known settlement. It means that the central bastion was built up after the abandonment of the first defense line of the site from Saharna Mare.