SU 8234 is the most recent archaeologically significant identifiable layer in the area south of the structure in Area I (that is, before the late cut 8222 and associated fills). This is the area of the earlier road, and the SU's composition - very hard-packed, similarly-sized (about the size of a fist) rubble - and compactness suggest that it was deposited as a leveling layer for a later surface which has perhaps been removed by later plowing. Possibly no such surface existed, and the top of this deposit (which could be made quite level by wear) may have served as a surface. SUch a surface could be associated with the late phase mortar production nearby, and it is unlikely that much was invested in constructing a proper 'road' at this time and location, which may have been on the fringes of the settled area of Gabii.