- Museo Archeologico del Finale
Chiostri di Santa Caterina
17024 Finale Ligure Borgo SV Italy
17024 Finale Ligure Borgo SV
Italy - 0039019690020
Daniele Arobba
Museo Archeologico del Finale, Museo Archeologico del Finale, Faculty Member
We report here preliminary results from four seasons of excavation at the rockshelter of Riparo Bombrini (2002–2005). Three markedly separate horizons were uncovered: the deepest, comprising Levels M1-7, yielded abundant Mousterian... more
We report here preliminary results from four seasons of excavation at the rockshelter of Riparo Bombrini (2002–2005). Three markedly separate horizons were uncovered: the deepest, comprising Levels M1-7, yielded abundant Mousterian lithics and faunal remains. A second macro-unit, corresponding to Levels MS1-2, is only a few decimeters thick and is characterized by the presence of large limestone blocks from partial collapse of the shelter's vault. The scarcity of material and presence of carnivore coprolites suggest sporadic human occupation. The third macro-unit, constituted by Levels A1-3 and following immediately above Levels MS1-2, contains a rich Proto-Aurignacian industry, including Dufour bladelets, bone tools, abundant ochre, numerous decorative ob- jects (mainly perforated shells) and widespread use of exotic raw material. New AMS dates and stratigraphic and sedimentological evidence indicate that the appearance of the Proto-Aurignacian at Bombrini dates to around 41 ky cal BP, in a phase of climatic degradation, paralleling the conditions observed for the transition at other northern Italian sites. While preliminary faunal analysis suggests little change in site use over time, the com- position of the lithic assemblages point to a marked technological discontinuity between the two time periods. Riparo Bombrini's stratigraphic sequence affords important details about the environmental and cultural dy- namics that marked the expansion of modern humans into Europe and the disappearance of Neandertals in that region during OIS 3. The association of a rich Proto-Aurignacian complex with an anatomically modern de- ciduous human tooth enhances further its importance for understanding early Upper Paleolithic in Italy.
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The archaeological site named “I Casteddi” is situated in the centre of the Gravona Valley (Tavera, South Corsica) on a hilly rocky outcrop at an altitude of 420 m above s.l. In the vicinity of the site rises a statuemenhir classified in... more
The archaeological site named “I Casteddi” is situated in the centre of the Gravona Valley (Tavera, South Corsica) on a hilly rocky outcrop at an altitude of 420 m above s.l. In the vicinity of the site rises a statuemenhir
classified in 2011 as an historical monument of national interest. On the top of the hill, the ruins of a medieval fortified settlement can be found. In this place, known since 1961, archaeological research has been carried out beginning in 2014, which revealed that the area was occupied between the Middle Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. These excavations have valorized the importance of the site, to the benefit of the local
community of town hall of the Upper Valley of Gravona. The excavations made very interesting archaeological finds, as well as unearthing a large amount of carpological charred remains too. The archaeobotanical analysis has identified a considerable variety of edible plants, including cereals (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum aestivum/compactum, Hordeum vulgare and Panicum miliaceum), vegetables (Vicia faba var. minor, Vicia ervilia, Vicia sativa ssp. angustifolia/sativa, Vicia/Lathyrus et Pisum sativum ssp. arvense/elatius) and fruit trees (Quercus sp., Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, Corylus avellana, Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Malus sylvestris, Prunus spinosa and Sorbus cf. aria). The richness of this carpological material and its good state of preservation provides
detailed information on agricultural practices and exploitation of plant resources for food supply during the protohistoric period in the South of Corsica. In particular, the recognition, for the first time in Corsica, of millet from the final Bronze Age. Faba beans dominated during the entire chronological sequence. In the Bronze Age, fructiferous resources were mostly represented by acorns during the Bronze Age while, in the Iron Age, the consumption of wild species dominated, among which the grape vine alongside the crab apple, the blackthorn, the hazelnut and the olive trees.
classified in 2011 as an historical monument of national interest. On the top of the hill, the ruins of a medieval fortified settlement can be found. In this place, known since 1961, archaeological research has been carried out beginning in 2014, which revealed that the area was occupied between the Middle Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. These excavations have valorized the importance of the site, to the benefit of the local
community of town hall of the Upper Valley of Gravona. The excavations made very interesting archaeological finds, as well as unearthing a large amount of carpological charred remains too. The archaeobotanical analysis has identified a considerable variety of edible plants, including cereals (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum aestivum/compactum, Hordeum vulgare and Panicum miliaceum), vegetables (Vicia faba var. minor, Vicia ervilia, Vicia sativa ssp. angustifolia/sativa, Vicia/Lathyrus et Pisum sativum ssp. arvense/elatius) and fruit trees (Quercus sp., Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, Corylus avellana, Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Malus sylvestris, Prunus spinosa and Sorbus cf. aria). The richness of this carpological material and its good state of preservation provides
detailed information on agricultural practices and exploitation of plant resources for food supply during the protohistoric period in the South of Corsica. In particular, the recognition, for the first time in Corsica, of millet from the final Bronze Age. Faba beans dominated during the entire chronological sequence. In the Bronze Age, fructiferous resources were mostly represented by acorns during the Bronze Age while, in the Iron Age, the consumption of wild species dominated, among which the grape vine alongside the crab apple, the blackthorn, the hazelnut and the olive trees.
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The article presents the results of a multi-proxy study investigating an alluvial deposit located in the coastal plain of Genoa (Liguria, Northwest Italy). A very deep core was sampled from 15 to 25 m below ground level to analyse... more
The article presents the results of a multi-proxy study investigating an alluvial deposit located in the coastal plain of Genoa (Liguria, Northwest Italy). A very deep core was sampled from 15 to 25 m below ground level to analyse sedimentological properties, pollen assemblages, non-pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossils and micro-charcoal. The deposit, spanning from the second half of the 5th Millennium to the end of the 7th Millennium cal. BC, was characterized by an alternation of silty and peaty layers, and proved to be rich in plant remains. Pollen data allowed the confirmation of a gradual increase in Fagus sylvatica to the detriment of Abies alba during the mid-Holocene of the region, and showed the presence of brackish lagoons, as well as the progressively stronger incidence of anthropogenic taxa, indicating the use of the plain for agricultural purposes. The study of non-pollen palynomorphs led to the taxonomic identification of some previously unidentified types, and pointed to the occurrence of marshy environments, which were probably grazed on by domestic herbivores. Macrofossil analysis provided the first record of Triticum new glume wheat type in Liguria. Moreover, the finding of a grain of Triticum dicoccum dated to the second half of the 6th Millennium cal. BC allowed us to pre-date by seven centuries the agriculture in the region. To date, this represents the oldest evidence of human activity in the urban area of Genoa.
Research Interests: Mycology, Sedimentology, Archaeobotany, Limnology, Environmental Archaeology, and 15 moreWetlands, Palynology, Neolithic Archaeology, Coastal and Island Archaeology, Palynology, Plant Macrofossils, Neolithic Europe, Liguria, Holocene, Plant Macrofossils, Genoa, History of Genoa, Neolitico, Palinologia, Non Pollen Palynomorphs, and Palynologie
The systematic examination of the early and middle Neolithic pottery from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) revealed several charred macroremains embedded in the paste, as well as imprints of a wide range of... more
The systematic examination of the early and middle Neolithic pottery from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) revealed several charred macroremains embedded in the paste, as well as imprints of a wide range of botanical remains. The analysis was conducted in stereomicroscopy (10-750x) on charred vegetal remains that were either extracted from the ceramic fabric or studied via intracavitary casts. Some of them were further investigated by SEM.
Most of the bioclasts belong to cereals: Triticum monococcum, Triticum dicoccum, Hordeum vulgare and phytoliths of Pooideae. We also recognized endocarps belonging to Prunus mahaleb and Rubus cf. R. idaeus and woods of Rosaceae Prunoideae, Quercus t. ilex/coccifera, Juniperus sp. and Pinus t. sylvestris. The imprints of fern fronds attributable to two typical of wetlands - Osmunda regalis and Thelypteris palustris - are of particular interest.
The extraction of bioclasts allowed the identification and sampling of organic material suitable for 14C analysis without damaging ceramics. This constitutes a feasible methodological alternative to those currently in use. The dates obtained on plant remains extracted from potsherds corroborate the currently proposed chrono-cultural seriation for the Early Neolithic of the Ligurian-Provençal region.
Most of the bioclasts belong to cereals: Triticum monococcum, Triticum dicoccum, Hordeum vulgare and phytoliths of Pooideae. We also recognized endocarps belonging to Prunus mahaleb and Rubus cf. R. idaeus and woods of Rosaceae Prunoideae, Quercus t. ilex/coccifera, Juniperus sp. and Pinus t. sylvestris. The imprints of fern fronds attributable to two typical of wetlands - Osmunda regalis and Thelypteris palustris - are of particular interest.
The extraction of bioclasts allowed the identification and sampling of organic material suitable for 14C analysis without damaging ceramics. This constitutes a feasible methodological alternative to those currently in use. The dates obtained on plant remains extracted from potsherds corroborate the currently proposed chrono-cultural seriation for the Early Neolithic of the Ligurian-Provençal region.
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Protohistoric contexts in Genoa urban area. Notes for an interventional methodology.
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Research Interests: Paleontology, Anthropology, Population Dynamics, Climate, Mammals, and 6 moreItaly, Humans, Animals, Plants, Collegium, and Environment
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Sono riportati i risultati di analisi palinologiche e sui macroresti vegetali (semi/frutti) dai livelli tardoantichi del castrum di Sant'Antonino di Perti (Finale Ligure, Savona, Italia), a cui si aggiungono informazioni sul contenuto... more
Sono riportati i risultati di analisi palinologiche e sui macroresti vegetali (semi/frutti) dai livelli tardoantichi del castrum di Sant'Antonino di Perti (Finale Ligure, Savona, Italia), a cui si aggiungono informazioni sul contenuto pollinico in incrostazioni alimentari su recipienti in pietra ollare e in un coprolite di canide.
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Lo studio ha preso in esame un coprolite di canide rinvenuto nei livelli del Neolico medio della Caverna delle Arene Candide (Finale Ligure, Savona, Italia). Sul reperto sono state eseguite analisi palinologiche e antracologiche. Al suo... more
Lo studio ha preso in esame un coprolite di canide rinvenuto nei livelli del Neolico medio della Caverna delle Arene Candide (Finale Ligure, Savona, Italia). Sul reperto sono state eseguite analisi palinologiche e antracologiche. Al suo interno sono stati individuati particolari resti faunistici: un acaro (Tarsonemus/Ovacarus) e l'impronta di un coleottero parassita del grano (Sitophilus granarius).
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Résumé Dans la zone côtière liguro-provençale, englobant les Alpes-Maritimes, Monaco et la Ligurie italienne, plusieurs gisements acheuléens et moustériens sont présents, en grotte ou en plein-air, témoignant des présences humaines... more
Résumé
Dans la zone côtière liguro-provençale, englobant les Alpes-Maritimes, Monaco et la Ligurie italienne, plusieurs gisements acheuléens et moustériens sont présents, en grotte ou en plein-air, témoignant des présences humaines préhistoriques dans ces territoires au cours du Pléistocène moyen et supérieur, entre les stades isotopiques 11 et 3. Les études pluridisciplinaires de ces sites livrent des données concernant à la fois les paléo-environnements, les datations, les comportements techniques et les modes de vie des groupes humains du Paléolithique inférieur et moyen de ces régions.
Abstract
Acheulean and mousterian cultures in the Maritime Alps and Liguria
In the liguro-provençal coastal zone, including the Maritime Alps, Monaco and the italian Liguria, several acheulean and mousterian sites are known, in cave or in open air, bearing witness of prehistoric human presence in those territories during middle and late Pleistocene, between OIS 11 and 3. Pluridisciplinary studies of these sites deliver data concerning palaeo-environments, datations, technical behaviours and way of life of Early and Middle Palaeolithic human groups in those regions.
Riassunto
Le culture acheuleane e musteriane nelle Alpi Marittime e in Liguria
Lungo la costa liguro-provenzale, in un’area che comprende le Alpi Marittime, Monaco e la Liguria italiana, diversi giacimenti acheuleani e
musteriani sono presenti, in grotta o all’aperto, quali testimoni delle presenze umane preistoriche in questi territori, durante il Pleistocene medio e superiore, tra gli stadi isotopici 11 e 3. Gli studi pluridisciplinari di questi siti svelano dati relativi sia al paleoambiente che alle datazioni,
ai comportamenti tecnici ed ai modi di vita dei gruppi umani del Paleolitico inferiore e medio di queste regioni.
Dans la zone côtière liguro-provençale, englobant les Alpes-Maritimes, Monaco et la Ligurie italienne, plusieurs gisements acheuléens et moustériens sont présents, en grotte ou en plein-air, témoignant des présences humaines préhistoriques dans ces territoires au cours du Pléistocène moyen et supérieur, entre les stades isotopiques 11 et 3. Les études pluridisciplinaires de ces sites livrent des données concernant à la fois les paléo-environnements, les datations, les comportements techniques et les modes de vie des groupes humains du Paléolithique inférieur et moyen de ces régions.
Abstract
Acheulean and mousterian cultures in the Maritime Alps and Liguria
In the liguro-provençal coastal zone, including the Maritime Alps, Monaco and the italian Liguria, several acheulean and mousterian sites are known, in cave or in open air, bearing witness of prehistoric human presence in those territories during middle and late Pleistocene, between OIS 11 and 3. Pluridisciplinary studies of these sites deliver data concerning palaeo-environments, datations, technical behaviours and way of life of Early and Middle Palaeolithic human groups in those regions.
Riassunto
Le culture acheuleane e musteriane nelle Alpi Marittime e in Liguria
Lungo la costa liguro-provenzale, in un’area che comprende le Alpi Marittime, Monaco e la Liguria italiana, diversi giacimenti acheuleani e
musteriani sono presenti, in grotta o all’aperto, quali testimoni delle presenze umane preistoriche in questi territori, durante il Pleistocene medio e superiore, tra gli stadi isotopici 11 e 3. Gli studi pluridisciplinari di questi siti svelano dati relativi sia al paleoambiente che alle datazioni,
ai comportamenti tecnici ed ai modi di vita dei gruppi umani del Paleolitico inferiore e medio di queste regioni.
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Over the last millennia, the land between the Alps and theMediterranean Sea, characterized by extraordinary habitat diversity, has seen an outstanding cross-cultural development. For the first time, this paper reports on the census of the... more
Over the last millennia, the land between the Alps and theMediterranean Sea, characterized by extraordinary habitat diversity, has seen an outstanding cross-cultural development. For the first time, this paper reports on the census of the Holocene archaeological sites that have been studied as part of archaeobotany in Italy (continental Italy, the Italian peninsula and islands) over the last quarter in a century. Pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, seeds and fruits,
woods/charcoals and other plant remains have all been analysed in multidisciplinary researches. A list of 630 sites has been provided by more than 15 archaeobotanical teams. The sites are located across the 20 regions of Italy, and in the Republic of San Marino (356 sites in northern Italy, 118 in central Italy, 156 in southern Italy and on the islands). They belong to several cultural phases: 321 sites are only pre-Roman, 264 are Roman/post-Roman, and
45 sites cover a broader range of time, present in both time spans. Site distribution is plotted in maps of site density according to geographical districts and the main chronological phases. The reference list helps to find analytical data referring to the descriptive papers thatmay be scattered throughoutmonographs and specific books on the matter.
woods/charcoals and other plant remains have all been analysed in multidisciplinary researches. A list of 630 sites has been provided by more than 15 archaeobotanical teams. The sites are located across the 20 regions of Italy, and in the Republic of San Marino (356 sites in northern Italy, 118 in central Italy, 156 in southern Italy and on the islands). They belong to several cultural phases: 321 sites are only pre-Roman, 264 are Roman/post-Roman, and
45 sites cover a broader range of time, present in both time spans. Site distribution is plotted in maps of site density according to geographical districts and the main chronological phases. The reference list helps to find analytical data referring to the descriptive papers thatmay be scattered throughoutmonographs and specific books on the matter.
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All'interno dell'articolo - il capitolo 6 - riporta i risultati di analisi archeobotaniche su diverse tipologie di macroresti vegetali, estratti da sedimenti contenuti in una cisterna-pozzo nero rinvenuta nella fortezza del Priàmar... more
All'interno dell'articolo - il capitolo 6 - riporta i risultati di analisi archeobotaniche su diverse tipologie di macroresti vegetali, estratti da sedimenti contenuti in una cisterna-pozzo nero rinvenuta nella fortezza del Priàmar (Savona, Liguria di Ponente). I materiali esaminati si riferiscono a carboni lignei, semi/frutti e ad un manufatto tessile e sono riferibili, sulla base della ceramica associata, ad un periodo compreso tra la prima metà del XVII e la metà del XVIII secolo.
Lo studio dei carboni lignei denota nel tempo una variazione del tipo di risorse impiegate, con un calo nel prelievo di faggio e di specie della macchia mediterranea e la parallela affermazione di essenze del bosco misto collinare di caducifoglie e di legname ricavato da potature di piante d’interesse selvicolturale o da frutto, verso il periodo storico più recente.
Le analisi carpologiche hanno fornito alcune informazioni sulle risorse alimentari di origine vegetale utilizzate nel periodo (Pisum sativum, Phaseolus sp., Vigna unguiculata, Linum sp., Ficus carica, ecc.).
L'esame di un ricco campione di vinaccioli integri, sottoposto ad analisi biometrica, ha permesso di distinguere due varietà all’interno di Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera, fornendo materiale interessante per la banca dati archeobotanica della provincia, che potrà servire per ulteriori indagini sulle cultivar locali.
Infine, il rinvenimento di un frammento tessile, probabilmente di lino, della metà del
XVIII secolo, costituisce un elemento di curiosità, testimoniando all’interno dei detriti
della discarica la presenza di un lembo di tessuto bruciato da smaltire.
Lo studio dei carboni lignei denota nel tempo una variazione del tipo di risorse impiegate, con un calo nel prelievo di faggio e di specie della macchia mediterranea e la parallela affermazione di essenze del bosco misto collinare di caducifoglie e di legname ricavato da potature di piante d’interesse selvicolturale o da frutto, verso il periodo storico più recente.
Le analisi carpologiche hanno fornito alcune informazioni sulle risorse alimentari di origine vegetale utilizzate nel periodo (Pisum sativum, Phaseolus sp., Vigna unguiculata, Linum sp., Ficus carica, ecc.).
L'esame di un ricco campione di vinaccioli integri, sottoposto ad analisi biometrica, ha permesso di distinguere due varietà all’interno di Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera, fornendo materiale interessante per la banca dati archeobotanica della provincia, che potrà servire per ulteriori indagini sulle cultivar locali.
Infine, il rinvenimento di un frammento tessile, probabilmente di lino, della metà del
XVIII secolo, costituisce un elemento di curiosità, testimoniando all’interno dei detriti
della discarica la presenza di un lembo di tessuto bruciato da smaltire.
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The systematic examination of early and middle Neolithic ceramics from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) made it possible to find several charred macroremains of cereals embedded in the paste and prints of a wide... more
The systematic examination of early and middle Neolithic ceramics from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) made it possible to find several charred macroremains of cereals embedded in the paste and prints of a wide range of other botanical remains. The analysis in optical microscopy in reflected light at 10-750x was carried out directly on the remains, or on the endocavity casts of the impressions obtained by high-definition silicone elastomer (Provil Novo). Spikelet of Triticum monococcum (einkorn) and Triticum dicoccum (emmer) were identified, beside other possibly cereal remains such as culms and leaves, and long cells with undulate borders phytoliths of Pooideae type. Arboreal wood inclusions, including Quercus sp. (cf. Q. t. ilex-coccifera) have also been detected. Two shards yielded prints of fragments of leaf and leaflets of Thelypteris palustris, a fern which no longer exists in the vicinity of the site but still reported in the wetlands of Central and Eastern Liguria, from the coast to the mountain plain. These finds provide further evidence both to confirm that the early Neolithic groups of Western Liguria cultivated cereals, and to characterize the landscape associated with the operational chain of ceramic production.
The remains of cereal contained in the artifacts suggest an interesting perspective of direct dating of diagnostic pots. It is also worth noting that large pottery shards are less susceptible than seeds and charcoals to the stratigraphic dislocations induced by rodents and generally by the anthropo-genic use of the cave.
The remains of cereal contained in the artifacts suggest an interesting perspective of direct dating of diagnostic pots. It is also worth noting that large pottery shards are less susceptible than seeds and charcoals to the stratigraphic dislocations induced by rodents and generally by the anthropo-genic use of the cave.
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L'indagine riporta i risultati di analisi archeobotaniche su materiali provenienti da scavi condotti nel sottosuolo di Genova in livelli datati a 5806+-50 anni BP (4790-4520 BC cal.) . Lo studio ha permesso di mettere in rilievo il quadro... more
L'indagine riporta i risultati di analisi archeobotaniche su materiali provenienti da scavi condotti nel sottosuolo di Genova in livelli datati a 5806+-50 anni BP (4790-4520 BC cal.) . Lo studio ha permesso di mettere in rilievo il quadro vegetazionale dell'area nel medio Olocene e relative attività antropiche. In particolare, il ritrovamento di rami di frassino (cf. Fraxinus ornus) con chiare anomalie di crescita valutate in sezione trasversale, documentano la pratica della scalvatura, un approvvigionamento di foraggio estivo, alternativo e complementare alla normale componente erbacea dei pascoli. Queste analisi di tipo xilo-anatomico hanno fornito dati oggettivi sul sistema di gestione del bosco e dell'allevamento del bestiame durante il Neolitico medio in Liguria.
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Lo studio riguarda le analisi palinologiche su campionamenti effettuati durante le campagne di scavo promosse dalla Soprintendenza Archeologica del Piemonte nel 2004-2006 nell'area dell'antica città di Pollentia (Bra, Cuneo). Le sequenze... more
Lo studio riguarda le analisi palinologiche su campionamenti effettuati durante le campagne di scavo promosse dalla Soprintendenza Archeologica del Piemonte nel 2004-2006 nell'area dell'antica città di Pollentia (Bra, Cuneo). Le sequenze stratigrafiche sono comprese tra il II sec. a.C. ed il V sec. d.C. Le indagini hanno permesso di raccogliere testimonianze utili per la ricostruzione storica delle attività agrarie (Avena-Triticum, Hordeum, Cannabis, Castanea, Juglans) e delle vicende del paesaggio vegetale legate all'intervento antropico su quest'area piemontese in età romana.
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This paper presents the results from a charcoal sampling and carpological remains carried out at the site known as ‘‘Riparo di Rocca Due Teste”, a Neolithic/Bronze/Iron-Roman Age Ligurian settlement in northern Italy.
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The article presents a synthesis of the archaeobotanical research carried out in the territory of Genoa (Liguria, Italy)
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The shipwreck discovered in 1950 off coast of Albenga (Savona, Italy) is by that time well known as “Nave Romana di Albenga” (“Roman Ship of Albenga”) in the archaeological literature. Notwithstanding it is widely known and studied since... more
The shipwreck discovered in 1950 off coast of Albenga (Savona, Italy) is by that time well known as “Nave Romana di Albenga” (“Roman Ship of Albenga”) in the archaeological literature. Notwithstanding it is widely known and studied since the campaign of 1950 which established the birth of Italian underwater archaeology, many aspects that it concern are still little know. Analyses made in 2011 on the wood shipwreck structures, on palynological remains in the pitch which coated the internal of amphorae, and on carpological findings, reported in this paper, contribute to revise some data previously proposed and to improve our knowledge of the wreck. It has been also highlighted the state of deterioration of wood materials that suggests the need for urgent safeguarding measures.
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The systematic examination of early and middle Neolithic ceramics from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) made it possible to find several charred macroremains of cereals embedded in the paste and prints of a wide... more
The systematic examination of early and middle Neolithic ceramics from the Arene Candide Cave (Finale Ligure, Western Liguria) made it possible to find several charred macroremains of cereals embedded in the paste and prints of a wide range of other botanical remains. The analysis in optical microscopy in reflected light at 10-750x was carried out directly on the remains, or on the endocavity casts of the impressions obtained by high-definition silicone elastomer (Provil Novo). Spikelet of Triticum monococcum (einkorn) and Triticum dicoccum (emmer) were identified, beside other possibly cereal remains such as culms and leaves, and long cells with undulate borders phytoliths of Pooideae type. Arboreal wood inclusions, including Quercus sp. (cf. Q. t. ilex-coccifera) have also been detected. Two shards yielded prints of fragments of leaf and leaflets of Thelypteris palustris, a fern which no longer exists in the vicinity of the site but still reported in the wetlands of Central and Eastern Liguria, from the coast to the mountain plain. These finds provide further evidence both to confirm that the early Neolithic groups of Western Liguria cultivated cereals, and to characterize the landscape associated with the operational chain of ceramic production.
The remains of cereal contained in the artifacts suggest an interesting perspective of direct dating of diagnostic pots. It is also worth noting that large pottery shards are less susceptible than seeds and charcoals to the stratigraphic dislocations induced by rodents and generally by the anthropo-genic use of the cave.
The remains of cereal contained in the artifacts suggest an interesting perspective of direct dating of diagnostic pots. It is also worth noting that large pottery shards are less susceptible than seeds and charcoals to the stratigraphic dislocations induced by rodents and generally by the anthropo-genic use of the cave.
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Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Food History, History Of Food Consumption, and 64 moreBronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Bronze Age Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Late Bronze Age Bioarchaeology, Bronze Age (Archaeology), Iron Age (Archaeology), Archeologia, Mediterranean archaeology, Middle Bronze Age, Arqueología, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Protohistory, Iron Age, Early Iron Age, History of Food, Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Arqueologia, Archaeology of food, Corsica, Edad Del Bronce, Edad Del Hierro, Late Bronze Age, Pottery Function, Pottery technology and function, Corsican archaeology, Paleonutrition, Età Del Ferro, Mediterranean Protohistory, Archéologie, Età del Bronzo, Bronzezeit, Preistoria e protostoria, European Protohistory, Protohistoria, Corsican Iron Age, âge du Fer en Corse, LBA to IA transition, Protohistoire, Âge Du Fer, Corse, Âge du Bronze, Protohistoric Archaeology, History of food and nutrition, Cuciurpula, Acorn, Carpology, Age Du Bronze En Corse, Age du Bonze final, premier Age du fer en Corse, Protohistoire corse, Corsican prehistory, Prehistoric archaeology of Corsica, Balanophagy, Carpologia, Acorns, History of Eating, Archeology, Carpologie, Study of Acorns, Bronze Age Economy, Bronce final, Acorns As a Food Source, Nutritional Value of Acorns, and аrcheology
In this paper we will reflect on the evidence of balanephagy found on Corsican sites dating to the middle of the 2nd and the 1st millennium BC. This research is based on three main sources. Firstly, the remains of clay seals that... more
In this paper we will reflect on the evidence of balanephagy found on Corsican sites dating to the middle of the 2nd and the 1st millennium BC. This research is based on three main sources. Firstly, the remains of clay seals that protected storage pits found on the Middle Bronze Age sites of Contorba and Cuccuraccia have preserved imprints of acorns on their underside which leads us to speculate on the motivations and the mode of storage of these fruits. The second source is provided by the archaeobotanical study of a pit filled carbonised acorns at the settlement of Cuciurpula. The third, more hypothetical, proposes that a certain type of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age pot frequently found on sites located on the southern half of the island was used to grill the acorns. This proposal has not been dismissed by the physico-chemical analysis carried out on the vessels that have a very particular appearance.