Anyhow it took a long time before the ancient Roman graveyard was discovered on the artificial island. After the decline of Portus the necropolis probably was no longer used or visited, after which she presumably at the beginning of the sixth century was completely hidden from view because of the sand raised by the wind. The sand-covered tombs looked like natural dunes along the antique coast for centuries and centuries. Sand formed already a problem when the necropolis was still in use. Keeping the place free of sand was a daily occupation.
It wasn't until 1925 that the burial-place was rediscovered during the excavation campaign led by Guido Calza.
The cemetery we see today wasn't the only Roman cultivation on the artificial island. Excavations by Fausto Zevi in the sixties of the last century brought to light the remains of buildings on the Ostia as well as on the Portus side.
These buildings served mainly harbour activities.
Besides that, there have been found a cluster of tombs outside the necropolis alongside the channel of Traianus.

Tombs outside the necropolis on
the side of the channel of Traianus.