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.
This project's multi- and interdisciplinary approach will enable a decisive, wide-ranging advancement of knowledge at regional, national and international levels. The aim is to maximise the information potential of cave environments to understand the relationship between man and the environment in the past and its transformation over time.
Applying a geo-referenced survey methodology of stratigraphic contexts and materials, combined with 3D documentation with laser scanners and photogrammetry, will allow the acquisition of EXCAVATION DATA in a digital, measurable and replicable format.
Sedimentology and micromorphology will allow the understanding of depositional and post-depositional processes to understand the USE of SPACE during the human occupation and the reliability of archaeological data obtained during excavation. The characterization of the thin TEPHRA layer already reported in the 80's test trench represents a major breakthrough that can be correlated with data from the Maccarese lagoon sequence (Jouannic et al., 2013).
Coring and dating SPELEOTHEMS will provide a deep insight into the palaeoclimate of the region measuring the C and O stable isotopes. The occurrence of pollen grains in accurately dated speleothems offers the opportunity to acquire new data about past vegetation. Palynological data obtained from cave deposits, coprolites, artefact residues together with archaeobotanical remains will provide information about human use of PLANT RESOURCES. The diachronic perspective will also highlight changes over time due to natural or social issues.
The osteological and taphonomy studies of faunal remains in particular contexts such as caves frequented for funerary or ritual purposes will help to define the use of ANIMAL RESOURCES contributing to the overall interpretation of the archaeological context.
Multidisciplinary study of HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS will provide multifaceted information about past communities, their state of health, lifestyle, funerary practices, food habits. PROTEOMIC analysis of dental calculus investigates the human oral microbiota to identify symbiotic microorganisms in relation to lifestyle and their possible changes over time connected to changing economic regimes. (Adler et al. 2013)
STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES can provide information about human communities' mobility (seasonal movements, marriage practices, migrations) and animals (transhumant pastoralism).
Mobility and exchange networks can also be inferred through lithic and clay RAW MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION analyses. Whereas chert raw materials sources in the region are not known, the outcomes of this research will enhance our knowledge about local sources. As regards pottery, lithics and groundstone, RESIDUE ANALYSES will help in understanding tools function.
3D MODELLING of archaeological sites and artefacts aims at recording and measuring context details for scientific purposes. The creation of life models will also facilitate the sharing and exchange of data between researchers. Moreover, the use of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) systems or Augmented Reality displays (AR) through virtual exhibitions, web sites, social media will contribute to the knowledge of the area's cultural heritage by the general public.
While launching the project, an agreement has been signed between the Department of Sciences of Antiquities, the Soprintendenza, the local Municipalities and museums to promote joint actions for dissemination activities and raise the awareness of local communities about their cultural heritage.
PROJECT OUTCOMES AND DATA SHARING - Fieldwork results will be published as preliminary reports on the website and FB of the Department of Sciences of Antiquities, Sapienza (https://www.antichita.uniroma1.it/), on the website of the IIPP News (https://www.iipp.it/le-nostre-pubblicazioni/notiziario-di-preistoria-e-p...). Results will also be published in relevant journals and disseminated through talks at meetings, workshops and international conferences.