This pavement, which sits at a significantly lower level than the latest imperial phase of the Via Gabina immediately to the north, extends south from Room 2 throughout the open space that occupies the southeastern quadrant of the central intersection of the city. It appears to be in phase with the N-S ashlar walls to the east and west (7012, 7055-6). Thus Room 2, in its original configuration, was a narrow corridor or alley connecting the main trunk road to the open space, probably intended for wheeled traffic (note tufo blocks 7046, 7047, 7048, which constrain movement through this space). This may have been one of the primary entrances into the 'public space' (?) to the south. It is interesting that the level was never raised to that of the later imperial road; the difference in elevation may have been bridged by means of some kind of ramp, though there is little evidence for such a feature.