Ricerc@Sapienza

This project investigates the use of caves in the Farfa Valley (Latium) during pre-protohistory through an integrated methodology that combines archaeological with palaeoenvironmental data. Caves can preserve significant long-term records of human occupation. In this regard, two key sites - Battifratta and Scura caves - will be explored as they contain anthropogenic deposits and palaeoenvironmental proxies such as speleothems. Moreover, they are ideal sites for preserving artefacts and ecofacts, allowing to obtain information that open-air sites are unlikely to preserve. Both caves have been explored and surveyed from a speleological perspective.
In contrast, their anthropogenic deposits have not been excavated yet or have been investigated only to a minimal extent (Battifratta), revealing occupation phases ranging from Middle Bronze Age to Middle Neolithic. This research represents an exceptional opportunity to investigate, to date stratigraphic sequences in caves, and to address several issues, including times and modes of pre-protohistoric occupation, the exploitation of natural resources, and climatic and environmental fluctuations over time. The project will focus on three main research areas with a solid interdisciplinary approach: 1) archaeology, 2) palaeoenvironment and 3) valorisation of the archaeological sites. Our primary goals are to identify stratigraphic sequences to be radiocarbon dated; to obtain palaeoenvironmental data from different proxies; to contribute to the recording and protection of a valuable archaeological landscape threatened by urban expansion; to build a strong awareness of cultural heritage among the general public. Finally, this project will help to fill a knowledge gap by bringing to light sequences with a high information potential. For the first time, these cave sites will be explored employing systematic and controlled investigation, applying cutting-edge methods, integrating archaeology and other disciplines.