- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità
Sapienza Università di Roma
Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5
00185 Roma - 0039-06-49913926
- Anthropology, Lithic Technology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Neolitico, European Copper and Bronze Age – Archaeometallurgy – Prehistoric Metalworking in Social Context – Settlement Archaeology – Application of Geophysical Methods in Archaeology – Neolithic – Theory / Cultural Anthropology – Material Culture Studies, and 20 moreCopper age, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Radiocarbon Dating (Earth Sciences), Archaeobotany, Ethnobotany, Ethnoarchaeology, University Museums, Scienze dell'Antichità, Archaeological Fire Structures Studies, Museologia, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeology of Adriatic Area, Geoarchaeology, Experimental Archaeology, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeology of Southern Italy, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Pottery technology and function, Chalcolithic Archaeology, and Public Archaeologyedit
This study aims to present a comparative analysis of the Bayesian regularization backpropagation and Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithms in neural networks for the metrics prediction of damaged archaeological artefacts, of which the... more
This study aims to present a comparative analysis of the Bayesian regularization backpropagation and Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithms in neural networks for the metrics prediction of damaged archaeological artefacts, of which the state of conservation is often fragmented due to different reasons, such as ritual, use wear, or post-depositional processes. The archaeological artefacts, specifically laminar blanks (so-called blades), come from different sites located in the Southern Levant that belong to the Pre-Pottery B Neolithic (PPNB) (10,100/9500–400 cal B.P.). This paper shows the entire procedure of the analysis, from its normalization of the dataset to its comparative analysis and overfitting problem resolution.
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to propose an analysis of the variability of débitage products, particularly laminar products, using the lithic industry of the PPNB village of Er-Rahib (Wadi el-Yabis, northern Jordan) as a case study. It is... more
The aim of this paper is to propose an analysis of the variability of débitage products, particularly laminar products, using the lithic industry of the PPNB village of Er-Rahib (Wadi el-Yabis, northern Jordan) as a case study. It is proposed here to validate the standardisation of the cognitive processes on which the Er-Rahib chaîne opératoire is based using descriptive statistics (e.g. coefficient of variation, variance, standard deviation etc.) and inferential statistics (normal distribution curve)
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In the first millennia of the Holocene, human communities in the Fertile Crescent experienced drastic cultural and technological transformations that modified social and human-environments interactions, ultimately leading to the rise of... more
In the first millennia of the Holocene, human communities in the Fertile Crescent experienced drastic cultural and technological transformations that modified social and human-environments interactions, ultimately leading to the rise of complex societies. The potential influence of climate on this "Neolithic Revolution" has long been debated. Here we present a speleothem record from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, covering from Early Neolithic to Early Chalcolithic periods (~ 11 to 7.3 ka, 9000-5300 BCE). The record reveals the influence of the Siberian High on regional precipitation, and shows large hydroclimatic variability at the multicentennial scale. In particular, it highlights wetter conditions between 9.7 and 9.0 ka, followed by an abrupt reduction of precipitation between 9.0 and 8.5 ka, and a wetter interval between 8.5 and 8.0 ka. A comparison with regional and local archaeological data demonstrates an influence of recorded hydroclimatic changes on settlement patterns (size, distribution, permanent vs. seasonal occupation) and on the exploitation of water resources by Neolithic to Chalcolithic populations. Our record does not show prominent hydroclimatic changes at 9.3 and 8.2 ka, thus not supporting direct influence of such rapid and widespread events on the process of Neolithization and its cultural dispersal.
Research Interests:
The study of the microclimate is pivotal for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. This paper describes specific procedures aimed at the deployment of microclimate sensors in spaces housing collections (e.g., museums)... more
The study of the microclimate is pivotal for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. This paper describes specific procedures aimed at the deployment of microclimate sensors in spaces housing collections (e.g., museums) under different scenarios. The decision making involves a multidisciplinary discussion among museum manager, conservator and conservation scientist and implies five steps. Since the sensor’s deployment depends on the number of available sensors, we have identified two possible circumstances: (a) artwork-related deployment (i.e., there are as many sensors as the number of artworks) and (b) artwork-envelope-related deployment (i.e., the number of available sensors is less than the number of artworks). The former circumstance is advisable when the artwork is often moved from a museum to another one. The latter circumstance is usually the case of permanent collections, and, according to the Museum Scenario (MS), the related procedures can be further subdivided into basic (MSI and MSII) and advanced (MSIII and MSIV). Advanced procedures are preferable over basic procedures when several time series of microclimate data have been collected for at least one calendar year in several sampling points. All these procedures make it possible to design where to deploy sensors both in the case of an initial deployment and of optimisation of already installed sensors.
Research Interests: Cultural Heritage Conservation, Heritage Conservation, Preventive conservation, Museum environment, Microclimate, and 2 moreArchaeological Conservation, Mosaic Conservation, Preventive Conservation, Museum Environment, In Situ Conservation, Conservation of Metals, Condition Survey of Museum Collections, Exhibition of Museum Collections and Wireless Sensor Networks: Deployment
The human microbiome has recently become a valuable source of information about host life and health. To date little is known about how it may have evolved during key phases along our history, such as the Neolithic transition towards... more
The human microbiome has recently become a valuable source of information about host life and health. To date little is known about how it may have evolved during key phases along our history, such as the Neolithic transition towards agriculture. Here, we shed light on the evolution experienced by the oral microbiome during this transition, comparing Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers with Neolithic and Copper Age farmers that populated a same restricted area in Italy. We integrate the analysis of 76 dental calculus oral microbiomes with the dietary information derived from the identification of embedded plant remains. We detect a stronger deviation from the hunter-gatherer microbiome composition in the last part of the Neolithic, while to a lesser extent in the early phases of the transition. Our findings demonstrate that the introduction of agriculture affected hostmicrobiome, supporting the hypothesis of a gradual transition within the investigated populations
Research Interests:
Although the amount of data on the Italian Copper Age has increased significantly in the last decades, little is known about the relationship between humans and the environment. Material culture su...
Research Interests: Geography, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Environmental Archaeology, and 14 moreMediterranean prehistory, Paleodiet, Stable Isotopes, Ecology, Palaeodiet, Mediterranean archaeology, Prehistory, Eneolithic, Copper age, Bioarcheology, Stable Isotopes and Palaeodiet, Death and Burial Archaeology, Prehistoric Mediterranean Archaeology, and Ecological Applications
The paper outlines how different state-of-the-art survey workflows can be applied to map theEarly Neolithic site of Portonovo - FossoFontanaccia (Ancona, Italy),establishing a straightforward, fast and often low-cost workflow for... more
The paper outlines how different state-of-the-art survey workflows can be applied to map theEarly Neolithic site of Portonovo - FossoFontanaccia (Ancona, Italy),establishing a straightforward, fast and often low-cost workflow for excavation recording. Different survey experiences are carried out to map the five domed ovens (VI millennium BC) excavated during the 2013 field campaign, ranging from digital photogrammetric to terrestrial laser scanner data acquisition and from open source to commercial processing. The option of quick, well-tested and often low cost/open source survey pipelines makes the research experience a case-study highlighting new approaches that can be integrated in the general excavation methodology and additional interesting features such as model/data reusability. The produced photorealistic 3D models together with all the other digital dataareintegrated inside a GIS environment satisfying the need to manage on situ the documentation of on going excavations
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A collection of papers focusing on questions of Copper Age metallurgical contexts, outlining the importance of an integrated analysis of artefacts, considering pottery, metal, stone and osseous productions as inseparable aspects of... more
A collection of papers focusing on questions of Copper Age metallurgical contexts, outlining the importance of an integrated analysis of artefacts, considering pottery, metal, stone and osseous productions as inseparable aspects of economic and social choices.
Research Interests:
The introduction of agricultural practices fostered the development of specific technologies for the new subsistence practices and the production of new artefacts. Pyrotechnological structures such as ovens are part of the Neolithic... more
The introduction of agricultural practices fostered the development of specific technologies for the new subsistence practices and the production of new artefacts. Pyrotechnological structures such as ovens are part of the Neolithic equipment and accompanied the spread of agriculture from the Near East across Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Ovens located within settlementsmainly domed, aboveground structureshave been traditionally linked to cooking and baking. The function is usually deduced from techno-morphological traits, although experimental approaches or ethnoarchaeological observations have often been used. This article aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach to understand the function of fire structures. An integrated methodology that combines archaeological analysis, archaeometry, and experimental archaeology has been applied to study the underground ovens of the Early Neolithic site of Portonovo (Marche, Italy) dated to the sixth millennium BCE. Samples of hardened sediment of archaeological ovens' inner surface and selected pottery fragments were analysed through X-ray powder diffraction to estimate the temperature reached. A life-size replica of an underground oven was then created to perform firing experiments, including pottery firing. Samples of the oven's walls and experimental vessels were analysed with the same method, and the values were compared. Our results indicate that the Portonovo ovens are potentially multifunctional structures, built for about 700 years, always with the same technique exploiting the natural soil's insulating properties.
Research Interests:
We present the geomorphological map of the northwestern part of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where the landscape expresses the tectonic activity associated with the Arabia-Eurasia convergence and Neogene climate change. These processes... more
We present the geomorphological map of the northwestern part of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where the landscape expresses the tectonic activity associated with the Arabia-Eurasia convergence and Neogene climate change. These processes influenced the evolution of landforms and fluvial pathways, where major rivers Tigris, Khabur, and Great Zab incise the landscape of Northeastern Mesopotamia Anticlinal ridges and syncline trough compose the Zagros orogen. The development of water and wind gaps, slope, and karsts processes in the highlands and the tilting of fluvial terraces in the flat areas are the main evidence of the relationship between tectonics, climate variations and geomorphological processes. During the Quaternary, especially after the Last Glacial Maximum, fluctuating arid and wet periods also influenced local landforms and fluvial patterns of the area. Finally, the intensified Holocene human occupation and agricultural activities during the passage to more complex societies over time impacted the evolution of the landscape in this part of Mesopotamia.
L’industria litica scheggiata proveniente dai siti del territorio di Roma permette di delineare un quadro relativo ai comportamenti tecnici e allo sfruttamento e circolazione delle materie prime in un lungo arco di tempo che va dal... more
L’industria litica scheggiata proveniente dai siti del territorio di Roma permette di delineare un quadro relativo ai comportamenti tecnici e allo sfruttamento e circolazione delle materie prime in un lungo arco di tempo che va dal Neolitico antico alla fine dell’Eneolitico. Sono presi in considerazione sia contesti d’abitato, alcuni dei quali pluristratificati, sia contesti funerari
Research Interests:
Lo scavo dell’abitato eneolitico di Le Cerquete-Fianello, Maccarese ha messo in luce una porzione di villaggio nella quale si individuano buchi di palo pertinenti a cinque capanne complete, più un lembo di una probabile sesta, e alcune... more
Lo scavo dell’abitato eneolitico di Le Cerquete-Fianello, Maccarese ha messo in luce una porzione di villaggio nella quale si individuano buchi di palo pertinenti a cinque capanne complete, più un lembo di una probabile sesta, e alcune palizzate. A fronte di una generale omogeneità nel modulo costruttivo, le differenze tra le capanne sono diverse e riguardano l’organizzazione interna degli spazi, la presenza di focolari e, in un caso, la forma e le dimensioni. Inoltre, una staccionata a “L” delimita un’area all’interno della quale si trovano solo tre delle capanne, che sembrano in qualche modo costituire un nucleo a sé stante nell’ambito del villaggio. Il recente studio di tutto il complesso ceramico e litico proveniente da questo settore dello scavo, al quale si è aggiunta l’analisi dei reperti faunistici di una delle strutture abitative, ha rivelato una diversità nella composizione del record archeologico tra lo spazio esterno e le capanne, tra le capanne stesse e tra i diversi ambienti in cui sono divise alcune di esse. La lettura integrata di questi dati ha permesso di formulare delle ipotesi riguardo l’uso degli spazi e i comportamenti legati alla vita quotidiana, che, a loro volta, suggeriscono elementi utili a ricostruire l’organizzazione del villaggio e del gruppo umano che lo abitava.
Research Interests:
This paper presents a preliminary overview of the outstanding evidence of chert mining and specialized lithic workshops found on the southern slopes of the Jebel Zawa, in the Dohuk Governorate, northern Iraqi Kurdistan. Technical features... more
This paper presents a preliminary overview of the outstanding evidence of chert mining and specialized lithic workshops found on the southern slopes of the Jebel Zawa, in the Dohuk Governorate, northern Iraqi Kurdistan. Technical features observed on lithic materials - such as cores and waste products – led to the identification of this mining complex as the source of raw materials used to produce the large standardized blades known in the literature as ‘Canaanean’. According
to northern Mesopotamian archaeological records, these blades were widespread from the late 5th to 3rd millennia BCE.
However, little is known about the raw material provenance and no analysis has been attempted in order to identify the supply areas. Our research constitutes a unique opportunity to fill this gap, providing fresh data and a new regional perspective for investigating the phenomenon of large blades production and consumption in northern Mesopotamia,
from the source to the settlements.
to northern Mesopotamian archaeological records, these blades were widespread from the late 5th to 3rd millennia BCE.
However, little is known about the raw material provenance and no analysis has been attempted in order to identify the supply areas. Our research constitutes a unique opportunity to fill this gap, providing fresh data and a new regional perspective for investigating the phenomenon of large blades production and consumption in northern Mesopotamia,
from the source to the settlements.
Research Interests:
The area corresponding to the modern city of Rome is usually known for the magnificent remains of the Roman civilization and the myths of its foundation in 753 BC. Less known is evidence of the prehistoric occupation occurring until the... more
The area corresponding to the modern city of Rome is usually known for the magnificent remains of the Roman civilization and the myths of its foundation in 753 BC. Less known is evidence of the prehistoric occupation occurring until the Bronze Age along the territory corresponding to the city of Rome and the surrounding area, called "Campagna Romana". Indeed, until a few years ago, the archaeological evidence relating to the phases of recent prehistory, from the Neolithic to the beginning of the Bronze Age, were completely, or almost completely, unknown. Recent excavations, mainly related to preventive archaeology, led to the identification of settlements and necropolises associated with a complex cultural scenario and shed light on the social and cultural aspects of daily life of the human groups who occupied this territory before the Latium civilization.
Della città di Roma, ben nota per le maestose vestigia riguardanti la civiltà romana e per i miti che precedono la sua fondazione avvenuta nel 753 a.C., sono poco conosciute le fasi antecedenti l’età del Bronzo finale , sia nell’area urbana, che nel territorio al di fuori delle mura, definito come “Campagna Romana” che va dal Neolitico antico fino agli inizi dell'età del Bronzo. Scavi recenti, legati principalmente all’archeologia preventiva, hanno portato all’individuazione di insediamenti e necropoli riferibili ad un complesso ed articolato panorama culturale, gettando luce su aspetti della vita quotidiana, sociale e culturale di gruppi umani che hanno occupato questo territorio prima della formazione della civiltà laziale.
Della città di Roma, ben nota per le maestose vestigia riguardanti la civiltà romana e per i miti che precedono la sua fondazione avvenuta nel 753 a.C., sono poco conosciute le fasi antecedenti l’età del Bronzo finale , sia nell’area urbana, che nel territorio al di fuori delle mura, definito come “Campagna Romana” che va dal Neolitico antico fino agli inizi dell'età del Bronzo. Scavi recenti, legati principalmente all’archeologia preventiva, hanno portato all’individuazione di insediamenti e necropoli riferibili ad un complesso ed articolato panorama culturale, gettando luce su aspetti della vita quotidiana, sociale e culturale di gruppi umani che hanno occupato questo territorio prima della formazione della civiltà laziale.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Zooarchaeology, Geoarchaeology, Paleobotany, and 15 moreArchaeozoology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Use Wear Analysis, Taphonomy, Molecular Anthropology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Residue Analysis (Archaeology), Residue and Use-Wear Analysis, Lithic Technology (Archaeology), Eneolithic, Paleolithic Archaeology, Upper Palaeolithic, Phisical anthropology, and Geoarchaeology and Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions
Il lavoro presenta una revisione delle tombe A e B della necropoli di Cava Kock alla luce delle due datatzioni radiometriche effettuate sui resti scheletrici.
Research Interests:
Si presenta lo studio dei materiali ceramici e litici provenienti dal sito di Villa Panezia, oggetto negli anni '70 del secolo scorso di una campagna di scavo. I materiali ceramici, caratterizzati dall'associazione di elementi Diana e... more
Si
presenta lo studio dei materiali ceramici e litici provenienti dal sito di Villa Panezia, oggetto negli anni '70 del secolo scorso di una campagna di scavo. I materiali ceramici, caratterizzati dall'associazione di elementi Diana e Serra d'Alto, permettono di inquadrare il complesso nell'ambito della fase recente del Neolitico dell'Italia centrale. Una datazione al radiocarbonio colloca il sito alla metà del V millennio a.C. cal.
presenta lo studio dei materiali ceramici e litici provenienti dal sito di Villa Panezia, oggetto negli anni '70 del secolo scorso di una campagna di scavo. I materiali ceramici, caratterizzati dall'associazione di elementi Diana e Serra d'Alto, permettono di inquadrare il complesso nell'ambito della fase recente del Neolitico dell'Italia centrale. Una datazione al radiocarbonio colloca il sito alla metà del V millennio a.C. cal.
Research Interests:
Vengono presentati i caratteri della "fase di Fontenoce", che è emblematica del Neolitico medio-recente delle Marche. Lo studio ha preso in considerazione un certo numero di evidenze, alcune con revisione di vecchie collezioni altre con... more
Vengono presentati i caratteri della "fase di Fontenoce", che
è emblematica del Neolitico medio-recente delle Marche. Lo studio ha preso in considerazione un certo numero di evidenze, alcune con revisione di vecchie collezioni altre con nuove indagini in corso. Si considerano gli impianti insediativi, la produzione ceramica e litica. Dallo studio si delinea una fase culturale omogenea e ben caratterizzata, all'interno del V millennio B.C. cal., connotata da elementi Serra d'Alto e Diana e poco permea bile agli influssi tipo Ripoli, che si svilupperanno nel momento successivo.
è emblematica del Neolitico medio-recente delle Marche. Lo studio ha preso in considerazione un certo numero di evidenze, alcune con revisione di vecchie collezioni altre con nuove indagini in corso. Si considerano gli impianti insediativi, la produzione ceramica e litica. Dallo studio si delinea una fase culturale omogenea e ben caratterizzata, all'interno del V millennio B.C. cal., connotata da elementi Serra d'Alto e Diana e poco permea bile agli influssi tipo Ripoli, che si svilupperanno nel momento successivo.
Research Interests:
Il lavoro prende in esame la fase più antica del Neolitico marchigiano attraverso l'analisi di alcuni aspetti - insediamenti, cultura materiale, economia, scelte ambientali, cronologia- con l'obiettivo di sviluppare una idonea strategia... more
Il lavoro prende in esame la fase più antica del Neolitico marchigiano attraverso l'analisi di alcuni aspetti - insediamenti, cultura materiale, economia, scelte ambientali, cronologia- con l'obiettivo di sviluppare una idonea strategia di ricerca relativa a questo periodo, a tutt'oggi conosciuto in maniera discontinua.
Research Interests:
Si presentano i risultati di tre campagne di scavo (2001-2003) sul terrazzo di Maddalena di Muccia, dove è venuto alla luce un ampio villaggio eneolitico, composto da tre grandi capanne e strutture accessorie. Il complesso dei materiali e... more
Si presentano i risultati di tre campagne di scavo (2001-2003) sul terrazzo di Maddalena di Muccia, dove è venuto alla luce un ampio villaggio eneolitico, composto da tre grandi capanne e strutture accessorie. Il complesso dei materiali e le radiazioni radiometriche lo collocano alla prima metà del III millennio a.C. in cronologia calibrata.
Research Interests:
This contribution presents the experimental reconstruction of an underground oven replicated according to the archaeological evidence unearthed from the Early Neolithic site of Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia (Ancona-Italy). A domed... more
This contribution presents the experimental reconstruction of an underground oven
replicated according to the archaeological evidence unearthed from the Early Neolithic
site of Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia (Ancona-Italy). A domed structure, measuring
190x180 cm diameter at the base and 50 cm in height, was dug in 15 hours, in a
sediment compatible with the geological formation that features the archaeological site.
The experimental protocol presented in this article aims to reconstruct techniques,
timing and tools needed to dig the peculiar underground structures of Portonovo used
by Neolithic groups and understand key topics regarding the entire technical process
such as energy investment for the community, seasonality and lifespan.
replicated according to the archaeological evidence unearthed from the Early Neolithic
site of Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia (Ancona-Italy). A domed structure, measuring
190x180 cm diameter at the base and 50 cm in height, was dug in 15 hours, in a
sediment compatible with the geological formation that features the archaeological site.
The experimental protocol presented in this article aims to reconstruct techniques,
timing and tools needed to dig the peculiar underground structures of Portonovo used
by Neolithic groups and understand key topics regarding the entire technical process
such as energy investment for the community, seasonality and lifespan.
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to present preliminary data on the composition of the Mid-Upper Eocene chert visible in massive outcrops in the Jebel Zawa valleys, in the Dohuk province of the Northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Large chert... more
The aim of this paper is to present preliminary data on the composition of the Mid-Upper Eocene chert visible in massive outcrops in the Jebel Zawa valleys, in the Dohuk province of the Northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Large chert nodules were systematically extracted from open-air outcrops and natural karst galleries, and employed to produce large blades, known in literature as "Canaanean blades", from the end of 4th to the mid-3rd millennium BC. Knapping workshops have been identified, evidence of a complex technological organization which served to produce prepared cores and blades to be distributed in the region. Our work highlighted the statistical variability of chert composition at intra-and extra valley scales. The variables discussed in this study were determined by following an integrated multi-parametric protocol for chert characterization (NM-PCI) which includes macroscopic observation, microscopic description and chemical analyses performed with Raman micro-spectroscopy. The samples studied were collected in three valleys featuring mining activities. The Jebel Zawa mines are currently the only known mining complex in the Tigris region. The reference collection of data derived from this study will thus be of crucial importance in order to understand the exploitation strategies, time-frame and spread of Canaanean technology in the region during the urbanization phase.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
There is a strong relation between people's structured identities and their chemical biographies: these can reflect the way individuals choose to reside and/or move. The strontium isotope ratio (87 Sr/ 86 Sr) of skeletal remains is... more
There is a strong relation between people's structured identities and their chemical biographies: these can reflect the way individuals choose to reside and/or move. The strontium isotope ratio (87 Sr/ 86 Sr) of skeletal remains is considered a useful proxy to assess residential mobility and social practices in past populations; however, so far, it has only occasionally been applied to prehistoric contexts in the Mediterranean. In this paper , we present 87 Sr/ 86 Sr data of human and animal samples from several Neolithic sites in the Apulian Tavoliere (southeastern Italy), namely, Grotta Scaloria, Passo di Corvo, Masseria Candelaro and La Torretta/Poggio Imperiale. Data obtained from dental enamel reflect the local origin of the individuals and allowed us to differentiate function and meaning of the sites examined. In particular, within a generally homogeneous background of Sr signatures, the range of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr at Scaloria Cave is greater than at the other sites, with variation likely to be related to funerary practices. We interpret this as the evidence of the ritual use of the cave, which implied the gathering of people of different origin. The relative variation of the Sr signature among individuals, either intersite or intrasite can be tentatively associated with mobility during life as well as with social practices, such as access to foods from geologically different environments.
Research Interests:
The huge potential of 3D digital acquisition techniques for the documentation of archaeological sites, as well as the related findings, is almost well established. In spite of the variety of available techniques, a sole documentation... more
The huge potential of 3D digital acquisition techniques for the documentation of archaeological sites, as well as the related findings, is almost well established. In spite of the variety of available techniques, a sole documentation pipeline cannot be defined a priori because of the diversity of archaeological settings. Stratigraphic archaeological excavations, for example, require a systematic, quick and low cost 3D single-surface documentation because the nature of stratigraphic archaeology compels providing documentary evidence of any excavation phase. Only within a destructive process each single excavation cannot be identified, documented and interpreted and this implies the necessity of a re-examination of the work on field. In this context, this paper describes the methodology, carried out during the last years, to 3D document the Early Neolithic site of Portonovo (Ancona, Italy) and, in particular, its latest step consisting in a photogrammetric aerial survey by means of UAV platform. It completes the previous research delivered in the same site by means of terrestrial laser scanning and close range techniques and sets out different options for further reflection in terms of site coverage, resolution and campaign cost. With the support of a topographic network and a unique reference system, the full documentation of the site is managed in order to detail each excavation phase; besides, the final output proves how the 3D digital methodology can be completely integrated with reasonable costs during the excavation and used to interpret the archaeological context. Further contribution of this work is the comparison between several acquisition techniques (i.e. terrestrial and aerial), which could be useful as decision support system for different archaeological scenarios. The main objectives of the comparison are: i) the evaluation of 3D mapping accuracy from different data sources, ii) the definition of a standard pipeline for different archaeological needs and iii) the provision of different level of detail according to the user needs.
Research Interests:
We present new, full geomagnetic field vector results from three Neolithic ovens discovered at the archaeological site of Portonovo (Marche, Italy). The discovered structures are a rare example of very well preserved underground ovens... more
We present new, full geomagnetic field vector results from three Neolithic ovens discovered at the archaeological site of Portonovo (Marche, Italy). The discovered structures are a rare example of very well preserved underground ovens from the Early Neolithic period. Standard thermal demagnetization procedures were used to isolate the direction of the Characteristic Remanent Magnetization acquired by the baked clay during the ovens' last firing. The corresponding archaeointensities were determined by the multi-specimen procedure (MSP-DSC) and show a clear intensity low during the Neolithic period. Both directional and intensity results are of high quality, offering the first contribution of full geomagnetic field vector data for this period in Italy. The new data are compared with other contemporaneous data from Europe and with global geomagnetic field models. Independent archaeomagnetic dating of the three ovens was also performed by means of the SCHA.DIF.14k model. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with available radiocarbon dates and confirm that all ovens belong to the Neolithic. These new data importantly enrich our knowledge of the geomagnetic field during the Neolithic period that is poorly documented by data, not only in Italy but also in the whole of Europe and show that archaeomagnetic dating can provide precise results even for prehistoric periods.
Research Interests:
This work presents the preliminary results of an analytical study conducted on domestic pottery and clayey sediments samples from two Early Neolithic sites of the Marche region (VI mill. BC). Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia is located on the... more
This work presents the preliminary results of an analytical study conducted on domestic pottery and clayey sediments samples from two Early Neolithic sites of the Marche region (VI mill. BC). Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia is located on the Conero promontory, near the Adriatic coast, Esanatoglia-Piani di Calisti in the piedmont hills of the Apennine Mountains. The selected settlements are dated to the first (Portonovo) and to the second (Esanatoglia) phase of the Adriatic Impressed ware Culture and their analysis points to increase understanding on pottery manufacturing processes, which are almost unknown for this period.
This study aims to highlight the raw materials selection and technological specialization and to investigate synchronic and diachronic variability in pottery technology, identifying common traits and different solutions adopted in the area. Petrographical (OM), mineralogical (PXRD) and chemical (XRF, SEM) analysis were performed on 69 ceramics and local/proximal clayey sediments samples.
The petrofacies identified in pottery and sediments account for the exploitation of alluvial deposits available close to the settlements, although the geological complexity makes difficult to exclude a priori other provenances in the same region. The strong compositional variability shows a non-standardized raw material selection system, suggesting low selectivity for raw materials and technological specialization, with the exception of figulina pottery.
The use of sources located at various distances from the settlements could indicate a contribution by different units, suggesting the presence of possible local networks between groups spread on a small territory.
This study aims to highlight the raw materials selection and technological specialization and to investigate synchronic and diachronic variability in pottery technology, identifying common traits and different solutions adopted in the area. Petrographical (OM), mineralogical (PXRD) and chemical (XRF, SEM) analysis were performed on 69 ceramics and local/proximal clayey sediments samples.
The petrofacies identified in pottery and sediments account for the exploitation of alluvial deposits available close to the settlements, although the geological complexity makes difficult to exclude a priori other provenances in the same region. The strong compositional variability shows a non-standardized raw material selection system, suggesting low selectivity for raw materials and technological specialization, with the exception of figulina pottery.
The use of sources located at various distances from the settlements could indicate a contribution by different units, suggesting the presence of possible local networks between groups spread on a small territory.
Research Interests:
There is a strong relation between people's structured identities and their chemical biographies: these can reflect the way individuals choose to reside and/or move. The strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) of skeletal remains is... more
There is a strong relation between people's structured identities and their chemical biographies: these can reflect the way individuals choose to reside and/or move. The strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) of skeletal remains is considered a useful proxy to assess residential mobility and social practices in past populations; however, so far, it has only occasionally been applied to prehistoric contexts in the Mediterranean. In this paper, we present 87Sr/86Sr data of human and animal samples from several Neolithic sites in the Apulian Tavoliere (southeastern Italy), namely, Grotta Scaloria, Passo di Corvo, Masseria Candelaro and La Torretta/Poggio Imperiale. Data obtained from dental enamel reflect the local origin of the individuals and allowed us to differentiate function and meaning of the sites examined. In particular, within a generally homogeneous background of Sr signatures, the range of 87Sr/86Sr at Scaloria Cave is greater than at the other sites, with variation likely to be related to funerary practices. We interpret this as the evidence of the ritual use of the cave, which implied the gathering of people of different origin. The relative variation of the Sr signature among individuals, either intersite or intrasite can be tentatively associated with mobility during life as well as with social practices, such as access to foods from geologically different environments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This work presents the preliminary results of the study of the Early Neolithic (VI mill. BC) pottery production in the Marche region, Italy. The main goal of this research is to expand the knowledge of pottery manufacturing processes... more
This work presents the preliminary results of the study of the Early Neolithic (VI mill. BC) pottery production in the Marche region, Italy.
The main goal of this research is to expand the knowledge of pottery manufacturing processes associated to the typical Central Adriatic Impressed ware, at present poorly understood.
All sites under analysis (i.e. Esanatoglia-Piani di Calisti, Maddalena di Muccia, Moscano di Fabriano) are located in the piedmont hills of the Apennine Mountains, except Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia, which is close to the Adriatic coast. This study aims to highlight synchronic and diachronic variability in pottery technology, to identify common traits and to investigate the raw materials selection and exploitation strategies.
The pottery assemblages and the local/proximal clayey sediments underwent petrographical, mineralogical (XRPD) and chemical (XRF) analysis. The petrofacies identified in pottery and sediments account for the exploitation of alluvial deposits available close to the settlements, although the geological complexity makes difficult to exclude a priori other provenances in the same region. Most of the potsherds have a Ca-poor body and the 16 fabrics show different textures and a general low to medium sintering (Tmax < 800 °C), except the fine pottery (figulina), which shows high sintering (950 < Tmax < 1100 °C). The high number of fabrics suggests low selectivity for raw materials and technological specialization, with the exception of figulina pottery.
The main goal of this research is to expand the knowledge of pottery manufacturing processes associated to the typical Central Adriatic Impressed ware, at present poorly understood.
All sites under analysis (i.e. Esanatoglia-Piani di Calisti, Maddalena di Muccia, Moscano di Fabriano) are located in the piedmont hills of the Apennine Mountains, except Portonovo-Fosso Fontanaccia, which is close to the Adriatic coast. This study aims to highlight synchronic and diachronic variability in pottery technology, to identify common traits and to investigate the raw materials selection and exploitation strategies.
The pottery assemblages and the local/proximal clayey sediments underwent petrographical, mineralogical (XRPD) and chemical (XRF) analysis. The petrofacies identified in pottery and sediments account for the exploitation of alluvial deposits available close to the settlements, although the geological complexity makes difficult to exclude a priori other provenances in the same region. Most of the potsherds have a Ca-poor body and the 16 fabrics show different textures and a general low to medium sintering (Tmax < 800 °C), except the fine pottery (figulina), which shows high sintering (950 < Tmax < 1100 °C). The high number of fabrics suggests low selectivity for raw materials and technological specialization, with the exception of figulina pottery.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Lo scavo di un sito neolitico - unico nel suo genere - raccontato a un pubblico di non specialisti. Dalla storia della scoperta, alla ricerca sul campo e in laboratorio, alla realizzazione di modelli tridimensionali, alla musealizzazione... more
Lo scavo di un sito neolitico - unico nel suo genere - raccontato a un pubblico di non specialisti. Dalla storia della scoperta, alla ricerca sul campo e in laboratorio, alla realizzazione di modelli tridimensionali, alla musealizzazione virtuale, in sinergia con specialisti di diversi ambiti scientifici, il volume raccoglie le fasi salienti dello studio dei 23 forni rinvenuti a Portonovo, nelle Marche, risalenti a circa 7500 anni fa.
Research Interests:
Il volume costituisce l'edizione dello scavo del sito neolitico antico di Portonovo Fosso Fontanaccia (AN). Il lavoro include la storia delle ricerche sul sito, la metodologia di scavo e di studio adottata, la descrizione analitica delle... more
Il volume costituisce l'edizione dello scavo del sito neolitico antico di Portonovo Fosso Fontanaccia (AN). Il lavoro include la storia delle ricerche sul sito, la metodologia di scavo e di studio adottata, la descrizione analitica delle strutture scavate. Vengono inoltre analizzate le sepolture a inumazione e incinerazione rinvenute nel sito nel quadro delle pratiche funerarie neolitiche. Sono pubblicate le datazioni al radiocarbonio effettuate e inserite nella grigia cronologica dell'Italia centrale adriatica, dell'Italia sud-orientale e del versante orientale dell'Adriatico. Infine i forni sotterranei rinvenuti a Portonovo vengono confrontati con la documentazione nota sulle strutture da fuoco in Italia e in Europa, e con gli esiti dell'attività di sperimentazione condotta ad hoc per comprendere le funzioni dei forni archeologici. Viene infine discusso il significato sociale e simbolico di queste strutture, che costituiscono un unicum nell'ambito del Neolitico in Italia. Il volume è corredato da una serie di contributi che prendono in esame la metodologia di archivio dei dati di scavo, i manufatti ceramici, l'industria litica scheggiata (analisi tecno-tipologia e funzionale) e non scheggiata, l'industria in materie dure animali (analisi tecnologica e funzionale), i materiali fittili e gli intonaci di capanna.
Research Interests:
During the late Quaternary, Iraqi Kurdistan was the scenario of several fundamental human-related events including the dispersion of Homo in Asia and Europe, the origin of agriculture, the beginning of urbanization, and the formation of... more
During the late Quaternary, Iraqi Kurdistan was the scenario of several fundamental human-related events including the dispersion of Homo in Asia and Europe, the origin of agriculture, the beginning of urbanization, and the formation of the first state entities. We present the initial results of a geoarchaeological investigation in this area, which aims to reconstruct a detailed framework of the relationship between climatic changes, landscape responses, human adaptation, and settlement distribution during the Late Quaternary. Paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic data were collected from two key areas: the territory of the Navkur and Faideh plains, in northern Kurdistan, and a portion of the Erbil plain, in southern Kurdistan. In the two regions, the Land of Niniveh and MAIPE archaeological missions are operating. Remote sensing, GIS analyses, and geomorphological survey are the tools used for the geomorphological reconstruction of ancient hydrology (fluvial pattern) and the evolution of distinct landforms. Geochemical and geochronological analyses on speleothems from the Zagros piedmont caves of same region provide information on Holocene climatic variability in the area. Whereas environmental settings and human land use are investigated on the basis of sedimentological, palynological, micropaleontological, and geochemical analyses of a fluvio-lacustrine sequences preliminary dated between 40 and 9 ka BP. The lacustrine sequence is composed by clayey and silt-sandy sediments alternating calcareous and organic matter-rich layers. Environmental and geomorphological data have been compared with archaeological information (mostly the chronological distribution of the archaeological sites) to interpret exploitation of natural resources, the settlement dynamics and shift in land use.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the prehistoric and protohistoric periods investigated by the Udine University in collaboration with the Sapienza University of Rome and the Duhok Directorate of Antiquities in the region of... more
This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the prehistoric and protohistoric periods investigated by the Udine
University in collaboration with the Sapienza University of Rome and the Duhok Directorate of Antiquities in the region of Northern
Kurdistan (Iraq). The investigated area features different geographical units, such as mountains, piedmont areas, intermontane
basins and valleys, and the alluvial plains of the Tigris River and its tributaries, each of which has different types of vegetation,
soils and natural resources. Despite this very rich and variegated landscape, the region has been thus far little explored: except for
an initial phase of groundbreaking research in the mid-twentieth century, archaeological projects have been limited to spatially
circumscribed surveys and rescue excavations. Attention has been given to the historical periods, while the most ancient phases of
human occupation of the area have been little investigated. In this paper, we aim to fill this gap with a preliminary summary of seven
years of archaeological survey (2012-2018) that allows us to outline the principal chrono-cultural aspects and settlement strategies
that characterised this region from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Ninevite 5 period.
University in collaboration with the Sapienza University of Rome and the Duhok Directorate of Antiquities in the region of Northern
Kurdistan (Iraq). The investigated area features different geographical units, such as mountains, piedmont areas, intermontane
basins and valleys, and the alluvial plains of the Tigris River and its tributaries, each of which has different types of vegetation,
soils and natural resources. Despite this very rich and variegated landscape, the region has been thus far little explored: except for
an initial phase of groundbreaking research in the mid-twentieth century, archaeological projects have been limited to spatially
circumscribed surveys and rescue excavations. Attention has been given to the historical periods, while the most ancient phases of
human occupation of the area have been little investigated. In this paper, we aim to fill this gap with a preliminary summary of seven
years of archaeological survey (2012-2018) that allows us to outline the principal chrono-cultural aspects and settlement strategies
that characterised this region from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Ninevite 5 period.
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to present preliminary data on the composition of the Mid-Upper Eocene chert visible in massive outcrops in the Jebel Zawa valleys, in the Dohuk province of the Northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Large chert... more
The aim of this paper is to present preliminary data on the composition of the Mid-Upper Eocene chert visible in massive outcrops in the Jebel Zawa valleys, in the Dohuk province of the Northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Large chert nodules were systematically extracted from open-air outcrops and natural karst galleries, and employed to produce large blades, known in literature as "Canaanean blades", from the end of 4th to the mid-3rd millennium BC. Knapping workshops have been identified, evidence of a complex technological organization which served to produce prepared cores and blades to be distributed in the region. Our work highlighted the statistical variability of chert composition at intra-and extra valley scales. The variables discussed in this study were determined by following an integrated multi-parametric protocol for chert characterization (NM-PCI) which includes macroscopic observation, microscopic description and chemical analyses performed with Raman micro-spectroscopy. The samples studied were collected in three valleys featuring mining activities. The Jebel Zawa mines are currently the only known mining complex in the Tigris region. The reference collection of data derived from this study will thus be of crucial importance in order to understand the exploitation strategies, time-frame and spread of Canaanean technology in the region during the urbanization phase.
Research Interests:
From prehistory to the present, caves have always been central places in the natural landscape that have drawn our attention. For this very reason, caves and their contents are important reservoirs of archaeological and palaeoecological... more
From prehistory to the present, caves have always been central places in the natural landscape that have drawn our attention. For this very reason, caves and their contents are important reservoirs of archaeological and palaeoecological information, and have an almost unique capacity to capture longterm perspectives on human activity and the environment. In some cases they may be visually prominent features of the landscape, while in other cases cave contexts represent secluded, dark and subterranean spaces. This duality lends itself to a broad spectrum of uses and meanings, reflected in a similarly wide variety of archaeological remains and often complex stratigraphic records. In a practical sense, the diversity of taphonomic processes at play, their occupation histories and duration of use present many challenges to archaeologists working in cave environments. The excavation, exploration and analysis of these places thus requires a considered and multidisciplinary approach. In mind of the broad-spectrum of data, interpretations and methodologies that can be applied in their study, this session aims to draw together active researchers working on the archaeology of cave sites with the view towards discussing and developing a standardised framework of field documentation techniques. We seek contributions discussing innovative and novel approaches to the excavation of caves, ranging from new and emerging methodologies, fieldwork strategies, recording techniques, scientific analyses and post-excavation analyses, to recent theoretical developments. We also seek to bridge the gap between those scholars working on caves from typically practical-or science-led perspectives, with those coming from more with theoretically inclined perspectives. We welcome and encourage a wide variety of contributions from across world archaeology, irrespective of chronological and geographical boundaries.