Vincenzo Spagnolo | University of Siena / Università di Siena (original) (raw)

Papers by Vincenzo Spagnolo

Persistent places are the locations where people aggregate, utilise and reuse natural or built fe... more Persistent places are the locations where people aggregate, utilise and reuse natural or built features and develop their social identities and interactions. A network of persistent places forms interconnected persistent settlement patterns, which create a humanly made or storied landscape with a shared communitybased memory of place. Although it has been demonstrated that persistent settlement patterns long preceded the onset of Neolithic farming villages, the Levant has received the most attention regarding this perspective. At the same time, Africa still needs to be addressed. This paper provides an illustrative case study of persistent settlement patterns created by Holocene huntergatherers in the Middle Nile Valley of Sudan. It employs geostatistical patterning and visual mapping of an extensive collection of different classes of artefacts (lithic industry, hammerstones, ground stone tools and pottery) from a wellpreserved Khartoum Variant site on Sai Island and correlates them to complex architectural features exposed on an archaeological surface (Level 1) at site 8-B-10C dating to the early fifth millennium cal. BC. The combination of multiple in-depth geostatistical analyses of a complex habitation system successfully documents an exceptionally preserved planned intra-site settlement organisation maintained over several generations, revealing a memory of place. RÉSUMÉ

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2024

The Mousterian of the Grotta Grande (Southern Italy) is here subject to new dating, which provide... more The Mousterian of the Grotta Grande (Southern Italy) is here subject to new dating, which provide a surprisingly high-resolution on the stratigraphic sequence. Overall, the deposit in the Trench F appears framed in the MIS 5, into a brief chronological time span immediately after the Last Interglacial, between ~116 ka and 109 ka. Significant archaeological evidence has been found in this sector on the cave, consisting in two high-resolution archaeological records (layers 8 and 6) with evidence of anthropic organization of the space, involving possible constructed features, use of fire and, possibly, different activity areas. Here we focus on the layer 8, excavated for 10.5 m 2 , which returned an intriguing entanglement of human and carnivore evidence. An interdisciplinary approach based on the pivotal role of spatial taphonomy, as meeting point of zooarchaeology, lithic technology, lithic traceology and spatial archaeology, has been applied. Beyond the recognition of the two main components in the formation of the context (the human and carnivore agency), the results allow to recognize its very good preservation state. Moreover, the reciprocal interaction between Neandertal and spotted hyena has been hypothesized, reconstructing the meaning of their presence at the site. More specifically, a Neandertal camp would have been followed, immediately after its abandonment, by scavenging activities of the spotted hyena, profiteering of resources with food interest for its diet left in the site. This human/carnivore sequence contribute to shed new light on the taphonomy issues on Quaternary sites.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.103256, 2021

In southern Italy, the number of Acheulean sites in a secure stratigraphic context is small and s... more In southern Italy, the number of Acheulean sites in a secure stratigraphic context is small and sites with control over the age of the deposit and of the artefacts are even less. The open-air sites of Cala d’Arconte, Capo Grosso and Cala Bianca, located along the Italian south-west coastline, represent, in this context, an important source of information for the Lower Paleolithic.

These sites were discovered and preliminarily studied in 1967–70 by A. Palma di Cesnola and P. Gambassini of the University of Siena, who ascribed them to the Acheulean due to the recovery of several handaxes associated with flaking reduction systems part of which attributed to the Levallois technology. A small number of the handaxes was recovered in its stratigraphic position while Levallois artefacts were collected exclusively on surface, leaving the question about the relations between these two groups unsolved.

Here, the sites of Cala d’Arconte, Capo Grosso and Cala Bianca and their lithic collections are reinvestigated by re-evaluating the stratigraphy at each locality and by analyzing the techno-typology of the available artefacts. During a test trench carried out at Cala Bianca, several Levallois artefacts were discovered in situ in the uppermost part of the sequence in a layer located above a tephra recently attributed to the X-6 marker of the Monticchio series dated to 108.33 ± 1.08 ka. We suggest that these in situ Levallois artefacts belong to a Mousterian layer that must be considered as the most plausible origin for the Levallois assemblage previously collected out of context at this site. In turn, we also suggest that the Levallois and biface components collected from the surface at Cala Bianca and Capo Grosso derive from distinct occupations in time.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Journal of Lithic Studies

The Oscurusciuto rock shelter, located in southern Italy (Puglia), has yielded a long Middle Pala... more The Oscurusciuto rock shelter, located in southern Italy (Puglia), has yielded a long Middle Palaeolithic stratigraphy rich in lithic assemblages, fireplaces and faunal remains, attesting Neanderthal occupation during the MIS 3. This paper is focused on the stratigraphic unit 13, consisting of a sandy compact deposit mixed with pyroclastic sediment above a thick level of tephra-US 14, identified as Mt. Epomeo green tuff (dated Ar/Ar ~ 55 ka).Level 13 represents the first stable human occupation after the deposition of tephra. Our goal was to examine the lithic assemblage of this stratigraphic unit by means of an interdisciplinary approach (technology, RMU, refitting program) in order to identify the economic behaviour and technical strategies of Neanderthals occupying the stratigraphic unit 13 of Oscurusciuto.The technical strategies applied indicate fragmentation of the reduction processes, as well as probable events of importation and exportation of objects. The lithic material we...

Quaternary Science Reviews

Most of the Middle Palaeolithic evidence of Central Italy still lacks a reliable chrono-cultural ... more Most of the Middle Palaeolithic evidence of Central Italy still lacks a reliable chrono-cultural framework mainly due to research history. In this context Grotta dei Santi, a wide cave located on Monte Argentario, on the southern coast of Tuscany, is particularly relevant as it contains a very well preserved sequence including several Mousterian layers. Research carried out at this site in the last years (2007e2017) allowed for a preliminary estimation of its chronology based on a set of radiometric determinations which place the investigated sequence in the time interval between 50 and 40 ka BP. Alongside the chronological issue, this paper mainly focuses on the geoarchaeological and zooarchaeological (micro and macro fauna) studies carried out on the materials retrieved during the 2007e2014 excavation fieldworks. The results of these studies are consistent with those from the radiometric chronology. A state of art concerning the MIS3 Italian sites is also provided in order to highlight the key role Grotta dei Santi may play in the assessment of late Neandertals' behaviour within the framework of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition of Central Italy.

Journal of anthropological sciences = Rivista di antropologia : JASS, 2018

The Uluzzian techno-complex is commonly considered to be a "transitional industry" most... more The Uluzzian techno-complex is commonly considered to be a "transitional industry" mostly on the basis of some inferred characteristics such as a chiefly flake-based production, a small amount of Upper Palaeolithic-like tools and a combination of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic elements both in the toolkit and in the technical systems. Following its discovery, the Uluzzian was identified as the Italian counterpart of the French Châtelperronian and attributed to Neandertals. However, a study issued in 2011 has established the modern character of the two deciduous teeth found in 1964 in the Uluzzian deposit of Grotta del Cavallo, fostering renewed interests to the Uluzzian culture, which real nature is almost unknown to the international scientific community. Here we provide preliminary results of the study on the lithic assemblage from the earliest Uluzzian layer and on backed pieces from the whole Uluzzian sequence of Grotta del Cavallo (Apulia, Italy), the type site of the ...

Apulia – especially the Salento peninsula – is a region rich in bauxite iron ores outcrops. Bauxi... more Apulia – especially the Salento peninsula – is a region rich in bauxite iron ores outcrops. Bauxite is a kind of rock that contains iron and aluminium hydroxides, in variable amounts. Local bauxite deposits were exploited in middle 20th century for aluminium, but long before it was considered a good iron ore, probably as early as in the Late Bronze Age. A nodule of pisolitic bauxite ore was found during the archaeological excavations of Piazzetta Epulione, at Lecce, together with many iron forging slags, in a Roman workshop of 4th-3rd century B.C. Many iron smelting tapped slag were found during a survey at Salice Salentino, associated with bauxite fragments. They are a new intriguing indication about the exploitation of the local mineral resources; as a matter of fact Salice Salentino is close to bauxite ore deposits. Remains of a large stone structure (so called “structure A”) were observed in this site, thanks to the help of aerophotographs. The smelting slag were found together ...

FOLD & R Survey Series, 2020

Mobility and interaction have been primarily analysed from the vantage point of the archaeologica... more Mobility and interaction have been primarily analysed from the vantage point of the archaeological sites representing the main hubs of interaction. However, such hubs were always immersed in a continuous landscape which had a considerable effect on interaction dynamics. An effect that has started to be taken in due consideration only recently.The Roca Archaeological Survey, of which we here present the first preliminary results, tries to integrate our detailed knowledge based on excavations of the site of Roca Vecchia in Apulia, with a systematic multi-period surface investigation able to assess whether and to what extent the surrounding landscape has affected dynamics of interaction recognised in the main site from the bronze age to modern times. 1. Introduzione In anni recenti lo studio della mobilità ha attratto l'attenzione dell'archeologia in generale e dell'archeologia mediterranea in particolare. Tale studio riunisce in un'unica prospettiva d'indagine elementi apparentemente molto diversi come: la migrazione, lo spostamento di individui e nuclei di persone su scale diverse, il commercio e l'interazione commerciale. 1 Questi elementi hanno come trait d'union il movimento di individui e gruppi, identificato attraverso una notevole varietà di indizi che comprendono materie prime, manufatti ed il record bio-archeologico. 2 Da un punto di vista archeologico, fino ad ora, la mobilità è stata analizzata fondamentalmente attraverso i dati degli scavi e ciò ha prodotto una notevole asimmetria nella nostra comprensione delle sue dinamiche, specialmente in periodi come la tarda preistoria, nei quali un ruolo chiave è attribuito agli insediamenti principali, che talvolta rappresentavano "gateway communities" verso l'hinterland. 3 Ciò avviene a discapito dell'importanza del territorio circostante e delle tracce di occupazione meno appariscenti in esso diffuse. In determinati periodi (ad es. il II millennio a.C.) esistono testimonianze materiali (come la ceramica di tipo

The Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Southern Italy) is a perfect sample-site for the reconstruc... more The Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Southern Italy) is a perfect sample-site for the reconstruction of multiple aspects of the last Neanderthals life. Different settlement strategies are attested in the excavated portion of the stratigraphic sequence, dated between~55 and 43 ka BP. As a first goal, the reconstruction of the site spatial organization across the palimpsest SU 11 was achieved by a high-temporal-resolution approach (assisted by sedimentological analysis), integrating lithic technology, zooarchaeology and spatial analysis (by means of the GIS technology). As a second goal, a diachronic perspective was adopted by comparing results from SU 11 with the previously studied evidence from the underlying SU 13. Results were processed at a diachronic scale, highlighting similarities and differences related both to the type of activities carried out at the site and to their spatial management. This allowed us to recognize discontinuities and, especially, continuities of settlement dynamics, which can be related to phenomena of cultural transmission hinting to a "memory of places". Such results stimulate the debate not only on the necessity to study Middle Palaeolithic contexts at different temporal scales but also on the necessity to develop more refined multidisciplinary analytical protocols. The study of settlement dynamics at high-resolution scales allows to take advantage of the potentialities of contextual analysis i.e. the integration of results from different disciplines and data from the whole range of archaeological evidence in order to reconstruct solid behavioural models.

Quaternary International, 2020

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2019

Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mo... more Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mousterian palimpsest representing the first stable occupation of the site soon after the deposition of a thick layer of tephra (Mt. Epomeo Green Tuff-Ischia datable around 55 kya BP). Different activities were identified by integrating the study of lithic finds, faunal remains, and the microarchaeology of combustion features. Additionally, geo-statistical analysis of these data has been carried out using a specifically designed geodatabase within a GIS platform. Our results produced an articulated picture of this Neanderthal site as a tripartite location made of spatially segregated and integrated activity areas. A hearths' alignment (parallel to the rockshelter wall) divides the settled area into an inner and outer part. The inner part, between the hearths and the shelter wall, displays an abrupt rarefaction of the anthropic finds and was interpreted as a possible sleeping/ resting area. In the outer part, several multipurpose activity areas have been identified, mostly associated with the combustion features. The Northern sector of the settlement appears devoted particularly to lithic production (to a lesser degree, activities related with lithic tools use and faunal processing took place). In the Southern sector the main activities carried out represent more intensive production and use of lithic tools and the butchering and consumption of animal resources. Additionally, in this sector evidence of space maintenance behaviour (cleaning up of working areas and refuse dumping) has been attested.

Resumo: Grotta dei Santi-GDS é um sítio pré-histórico do Paleolítico Médio, situado na região da ... more Resumo: Grotta dei Santi-GDS é um sítio pré-histórico do Paleolítico Médio, situado na região da Toscana (Itália Central). Apresenta vestígios da ocupação neandertalense entre 50.000 e 40.000 anos antes do presente. Por sua importância no panorama paleolítico italiano, di Siena (Itália), há mais de dez anos, conduz as pesquisas, escavações e ações de valorização patrimonial com a finalidade de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre o comportamento neandertal na região e também valorizar um sítio que, por sua própria importância científica e localização, se apresenta como único em seu gênero. Neste capítulo, apresentamos o projeto desenvolvido no sítio GDS com foco numa gestão integrada do território. Palavras-chave: Grotta dei Santi. Neandertal. Gestão integrada do território. Abstract: Grotta dei Santi is a prehistoric site dated to the Middle Palaeolithic, located in Toscana (central Italy). The site presents the traces of Neandertal occupations between 50,000 and 40,000 years BP. Due to its importance in the Italian Palaeolithic scenario the, since ten years, carries on activities of research, excavation and valorization of the site with the aim to deeper the

The Oscurusciuto rock shelter (Ginosa, Puglia, southern Italy) is a Middle Palaeolithic site char... more The Oscurusciuto rock shelter (Ginosa, Puglia, southern Italy) is a Middle Palaeolithic site characterized by a significant stratigraphy made up by several anthropic levels. The stratigraphic unit 13, consisting of a sandy compact deposit mixed with pyroclastic sediment, is a short palimpsest situated on a layer of tephra, identified as Mt. Epomeo green tuff (dated Ar/Ar ~ 55 ka BP).

From a technological point of view, the aims of the production were backed flakes, convergent flakes, and other flakes obtained by means of a Levallois debitage, plus (less represented) bladelets produced by an additional volumetric reduction system.

Our aim in this research was to examine a selection of the above-mentioned target objects produced by debitage in order to understand the manufacture and life-cycle of each single tool from a dynamic perspective.

We integrated techno-functional and use-wear analyses: the first was implemented to globally comprehend each tool, identifying each single techno-functional unity (prehensile and transformative portions), whereas the second revealed the way in which these tools had been used, proceeding to identify the activity involved (e.g., piercing, cutting and/or scraping), and the type of material (vegetable/animal, soft/hard) on which these activities had been carried out.

The combined use of these two approaches allows us to ascertain the intention of the prehistoric craftsmen, the gestures and procedures involved in making the tools, and the way they had been used. From one single object we are thus able to reconstruct a series of complex behaviours, encompassing the creation, the life-cycle and finally the ‘death’ or repurposing of the tool in question.

Different activities were identified by integrating the study of lithic finds, faunal remains, and the microarchaeology of combustion features. Additionally, geo-statistical analysis of these data has been carried out using a specifically designed geodatabase within a GIS platform.

Our results produced an articulated picture of this Neanderthal site as a tripartite location made of spatially segregated and integrated activity areas. A hearths' alignment (parallel to the rockshelter wall) divides the settled area into an inner and outer part. The inner part, between the hearths and the shelter wall, displays an abrupt rarefaction of the anthropic finds and was interpreted as a possible sleeping/resting area. In the outer part, several multipurpose activity areas have been identified, mostly associated with the combustion features. The Northern sector of the settlement appears devoted particularly to lithic production (to a lesser degree, activities related with lithic tools use and faunal processing took place). In the Southern sector the main activities carried out represent more intensive production and use of lithic tools and the butchering and consumption of animal resources. Additionally, in this sector evidence of space maintenance behaviour (cleaning up of working areas and refuse dumping) has been attested.

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2018

Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mo... more Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mousterian palimpsest representing the first stable occupation of the site soon after the deposition of a thick layer of tephra (Mt. Epomeo Green Tuff - Ischia datable around 55 kya BP).
Different activities were identified by integrating the study of lithic finds, faunal remains, and the microarchaeology of combustion features. Additionally, geo-statistical analysis of these data has been carried out using a specifically designed geodatabase within a GIS platform.
Our results produced an articulated picture of this Neanderthal site as a tripartite location made of spatially segregated and integrated activity areas. A hearths' alignment (parallel to the rockshelter wall) divides the settled area into an inner and outer part. The inner part, between the hearths and the shelter wall, displays an abrupt rarefaction of the anthropic finds and was interpreted as a possible sleeping/ resting area. In the outer part, several multipurpose activity areas have been identified, mostly associated with the combustion features. The Northern sector of the settlement appears devoted particularly to lithic production (to a lesser degree, activities related with lithic tools use and faunal processing took place). In the Southern sector the main activities carried out represent more intensive production and use of lithic tools and the butchering and consumption of animal resources. Additionally, in this sector evidence of space maintenance behaviour (cleaning up of working areas and refuse dumping) has been attested.

The Oscurusciuto rock shelter, located in the ravine of Ginosa (Taranto), is one of the key sites... more The Oscurusciuto rock shelter, located in the ravine of Ginosa (Taranto), is one of the key sites for the study of Neanderthal groups in Southern Italy. The rich stratigraphic sequence of the site, which is as-cribable entirely to the Middle Palaeolithic, is rich in anthropic remains and combustion structures, attesting occupation by Neanderthals during MIS 3. This paper is focused on the study of Stratigraphic Unit (SU) 13, made up of a compact sandy sediment mixed with pyroclastic sediment derived from the underlying tephra level (SU 14). The latter has been identified as Monte Epomeo green tuff (dated Ar/Ar 55 ± 2 ka). The first stable human occupation of the shelter after tephra deposition is represented by unit 13. Our aim here is that of separating the Stratigraphic Unit into its main components so as to obtain a high temporal resolution on the activities which took place in this SU, and to reconstruct the individual events which formed the palimpsest. In order to fulfil these objectives, a multidisciplinary approach was needed through which data could be integrated from the microstratigraphy of the hearths; from the technological study of the lithic industries; from the individuation of the Raw Material Units (RMUs); from refitting and co-joining and from spatial analysis (GIS science/tool). The integration of these analytical methods reveals that SU 13 of the Oscurusciuto rock shelter was the product of a series of events ascribable to a short time span. This layer was formed by sediment aggradation and cementation (e.g., brecciation) processes. Human activities contributed to the sediment build up with the introduction of wood ash, lithic raw materials and bones. The results show the importance of using integrated research methods in order to identify short anthropic events within a palimpsest.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2015

The Palaeolithic sequence of Grotta Paglicci (Gargano promontory, Apulia, Southern Italy) is one ... more The Palaeolithic sequence of Grotta Paglicci (Gargano promontory, Apulia, Southern Italy) is one of the most important in the Mediterranean area: It comprises the whole Upper Palaeolithic cultural sequence known for the region, as well as Early Middle Palaeolithic and Lower Palaeolithic levels. These earlier phases are best represented in a collapsed room located outside the present-day cave (the so called “external rock shelter”). In this area, a new excavation, started in 2004, brought to light Middle Palaeolithic animal remains associated with evidence of spotted hyaena (SU 64 and 53). The spatial distribution analysis of remains from SU 53 revealed the presence of a bone accumulation area and a wider dispersal of hyaena coprolites. Three main ungulate species (aurochs, fallow deer and red deer) as well as carnivores (spotted hyaena, wolf, fox, wild cat and lynx) and lagomorphs have been identified. The majority of aurochs remains are located in the main accumulation; among these specimens, a complete metatarsal connected with three tarsal bones has been found; a talus and a complete tibia, probably belonging to the same limb, have also been identified. The multidisciplinary study carried out in this paper highlights a specific bone accumulation and scattering pattern in a spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) den. In addition, taphonomy of lagomorph remains indicates the presence of other depositional agents.

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.103256, 2021

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Journal of Lithic Studies

Quaternary Science Reviews

Journal of anthropological sciences = Rivista di antropologia : JASS, 2018

FOLD & R Survey Series, 2020

Quaternary International, 2020

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2019

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2018

Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mo... more Stratigraphic Unit 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Taranto, Southern Italy) is a short Mousterian palimpsest representing the first stable occupation of the site soon after the deposition of a thick layer of tephra (Mt. Epomeo Green Tuff - Ischia datable around 55 kya BP).
Different activities were identified by integrating the study of lithic finds, faunal remains, and the microarchaeology of combustion features. Additionally, geo-statistical analysis of these data has been carried out using a specifically designed geodatabase within a GIS platform.
Our results produced an articulated picture of this Neanderthal site as a tripartite location made of spatially segregated and integrated activity areas. A hearths' alignment (parallel to the rockshelter wall) divides the settled area into an inner and outer part. The inner part, between the hearths and the shelter wall, displays an abrupt rarefaction of the anthropic finds and was interpreted as a possible sleeping/ resting area. In the outer part, several multipurpose activity areas have been identified, mostly associated with the combustion features. The Northern sector of the settlement appears devoted particularly to lithic production (to a lesser degree, activities related with lithic tools use and faunal processing took place). In the Southern sector the main activities carried out represent more intensive production and use of lithic tools and the butchering and consumption of animal resources. Additionally, in this sector evidence of space maintenance behaviour (cleaning up of working areas and refuse dumping) has been attested.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2015

The Middle Palaeolithic Oscurusciuto rock shelter opens in the Pleistocene calcarenites in the ra... more The Middle Palaeolithic Oscurusciuto rock shelter opens in the Pleistocene calcarenites in the ravine of Ginosa, about 20 km from the Ionic coast. The research that the University of Siena has been carrying out since 1998 has brought to light a stratigraphic sequence about 6 meters thick, made out of sub-horizontal layers with a dominant sandy-silty matrix [1] [2] [3]. The collapse of the
shelter’s vault (large blocks can be observed along the stratigraphy) resulted in the erosion of some of the deposit. As a consequence, this is narrower in the upper layers, whereas in the lower ones the exposed surface reaches an extension of 60 square meters. The upper part of the stratigraphy (base of SU 1) yielded a 14C date of 38.500 ± 900 BP (AMS, Beta 181165;cal 42.975 ± 788 BP). A further post quem chronological marker is represented by a thick layer of tefra (SU14) attributed to the Mount Epomeo Green Tuff from Ischia (R. Sulpizio pers. comment), dated to about 55 kyrs BP. This volcanic layer seals a palaeosurface (SU15) placed at a depth of about 3 meters from the top of the deposit. The specific interest of this palaeosurface, exposed over an area of 18 square meters, is given by the presence of stone alignments referable to two possible structures, alongside large quantities of lithic and faunal remains. The first structure comprises a 2 meters wide semicircle standing against the north wall of the shelter and formed by small clusters made of 3-4 stones each. The archaeological remains are more abundant between the stones, along the perimeter of the structure, and outside it. In correspondence with the stones, the palaeosurface is characterized by a slight but clear relief. The second structure is by the side of the previous one and has similar dimensions. Its perimeter is raised and encloses a depressed area with few anthropic remains. The external area is characterized by abundant fragments of long bones from large ungulates, lithic remains and some stones which do not appear to be structured. The preliminary study of bones, mostly fragments of diaphysis and portions of mandibles and maxillaries, has allowed to determine the presence of at least one fallow deer and a minimum number of 5 individuals of aurochs of different ages. The lithic industry, like in the other levels of the sequence, shows an exploitation of local raw materials (jasper, flint and quarzarenite pebbles of different dimension and shapes) for the production of mostly elongated blanks through a unipolar Levallois modality. Apparently there is not any relevant technical investment for the transformation of the blanks by means of retouch. A 3D modelling of the surface has been made with a digital photogrammetric technique. 120 pictures have been taken around the selected area. From these, a three-dimensional model with high resolution texture has been elaborated. The resulting digital surface can be used for many analyses, among which the automatic generation of orthophotos, crossing sections, DEM and areas computation. A geo-database for the management and analysis of spatial data (both at the macro and micro levels) was also created. In the context of the micro-level, the vectorial mapping of the archaeological remains and of the structures through photogrammetry is ongoing. The gathering of the quantitative data (in relation to the lithic industries and to the faunal remains) and data elaboration through the geo-database, will allow to obtain important information for the understanding of the wide behavioural variability expressed by Neanderthal groups in relation to territory management, technology and, particularly, to the organization and use of the living space. The SU 15 of Oscurusciuto is a highly interesting archaeological evidence to grasp the cultural complexity of Neanderthals.

As part of the Paleolithic archeology, new research questions are focused on the reconstruction o... more As part of the Paleolithic archeology, new research questions are focused on the reconstruction of the past activities at high spatial and temporal resolution, through the palimpsest dissection in their smallest time units. The analysis of the spatial dimension of data, collected and studied by specialists of different academic fields, is a key factor to understand these archaeological contexts. The current strategies of spatial archeology have led to the development of increasingly integrated analytical modules for the treatment of data achieved from these studies. In this paper we submit the analytic model adopted for the study of two Middle Palaeolithic contexts in Southern Italy: Molare Rockshelter (Scario – SA) and Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa – TA). We integrated data from GIS computations with 3D data elaborated using Image-based 3D modeling technique. The GIS is an essential tool, able to interface with each other different kinds of data, derived from interdisciplinary studies. First of all we have studied the taphonomic data, in order to demonstrate the non-random or anthropogenic nature of the spatial distribution of the archaeological finds, and the contexts good state of preservation (chi-square, physical state of the finds, refitting pattern, absence of water flow evidence, etc.). Then, we have studied these spatial arrangements (cluster analysis, kernel density analysis, correlation analysis, etc.) to identify the structures (both visible and latent). Contextual analysis is therefore essential to reconstruct past ways of life, especially when dealing with the complex dynamics of the Paleolithic sites. An accurate documentation of the distinctive features of the context, including the morphology of the surfaces, contributes significantly to the understanding of these dynamics. Image-based 3D modeling technique allows to obtain 3D models of the investigated areas, achieving a high level of details and precision; these models can be imported into GIS platforms, enhancing its analytic potential. In particular, it is possible to deduce a number of traces of human activities, which can be recognized by centimeter-scale changes in the elevation of surfaces, as for example the arrangement of living floors and the accumulation of remains in different areas.

The Italian Peninsula seems to be playing an important role in the debate on the cultural occurre... more The Italian Peninsula seems to be playing an important
role in the debate on the cultural occurrences connected
to Neanderthals. Its particular geographical position,
as a peripheral appendix of the European continent,
gives origin to a territory constrained in a long and narrow
strip of land which, differently from the vast plains
of Northern Europe, acts as a cul de sac in the population
dynamics of humans and animals.
At the same time, the highly variable and fragmented
landscapes, sprouting from a great geomorphological
variety (Apennine Chain - coastal areas), create the conditions
for a wide range of resources and for a mosaic-like
peopling of the Peninsula. From a chronological standpoint
too, a narrowing of the time range of Neanderthal
record is observable, particularly in Southern Italy. This is
defined, in comparison to the wider European context,
by a late appearance of Levallois in lithic industries (OIS 5)
and by an early arrival of the first cultures connected to
Homo sapiens (Uluzzian, about 45-44 kyrs BP).
For this reason, the study of Neanderthal communities
who occupied Southern Italy during that time span provides
a very interesting viewpoint for the understanding
of their actual variability and complexity. Over the last
decade, Middle Palaeolithic research in Italy has experienced
an important methodological renewal thanks
not only to the diffusion of technological approach in lithic studies, but also to the broader attention paid to
behavioural expressions of these human groups: exploitation
strategies of the territory and of the mineral and
food resources, spatial organization, mobility within territories,
stone tool production, fire technology, symbolic
expressions, etc.
Investigations carried out by Research Unit in “Prehistory
and Anthropology” of the University of Siena fit within
this framework of methodological renewal and focus
the on key sites located in different regions of Central-
Southern Italy.
This work wants to present and compare the results obtained
over the last few years from the sites of Cala dei
Santi (Southern Tuscany), Castelcivita, Molare and Grotta
Grande (Campania), Oscurusciuto and Santa Croce
(Apulia), with the aim of shedding light on Neanderthals’
behavioural variability.

Ciclo di conferenze curate dal CeSQ (Centro Studi sul Quaternario) sull’uso dei GIS (Geographic I... more Ciclo di conferenze curate dal CeSQ (Centro Studi sul Quaternario) sull’uso dei GIS (Geographic Information System o Sistema Informativo Territoriale) nella ricerca archeologica e nella tutela e valorizzazione del territorio e dei beni culturali.

FOLD&R Fasti On Line Documents & Research, Archaeological Survey, 13, 2020