Soil micromorphological studies were carried out recently on the sequences of two caves in Central Italy, in the Abruzzo area: Grotta Sant’Angelo and Grotta dei Piccioni. The results show that most of the sequences are made up of mixed stable and domestic deposits, and that the domestic component decreases from the Late Neolithic onwards. Though the use of these caves was supposed in the past to be mainly cultual because of the occurrence of peculiar objects and features, the geoarchaeological study showed that they were also intensively frequented by shepherds with their flocks. The use probably evolved through time, from dwelling for humans with their animals (Neolithic) to specialised stable for ovicaprines (Copper and Bronze Ages).
Geoarchaeology of the deposits of Grotta dei Piccioni and Grotta Sant’Angelo (Abruzzo, Central Italy)
BOSCHIAN, GIOVANNI;IACONIS M.
2008-01-01
Abstract
Soil micromorphological studies were carried out recently on the sequences of two caves in Central Italy, in the Abruzzo area: Grotta Sant’Angelo and Grotta dei Piccioni. The results show that most of the sequences are made up of mixed stable and domestic deposits, and that the domestic component decreases from the Late Neolithic onwards. Though the use of these caves was supposed in the past to be mainly cultual because of the occurrence of peculiar objects and features, the geoarchaeological study showed that they were also intensively frequented by shepherds with their flocks. The use probably evolved through time, from dwelling for humans with their animals (Neolithic) to specialised stable for ovicaprines (Copper and Bronze Ages).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
