Ricerc@Sapienza

In recent years, several works have proved the reliability of the application of 3D modeling and spatial analysis in the study of stone tool use. Monitoring surface morphometry resulting from the use of lithic tools has the potential to objectively quantify and identify patterns of modifications associated to specific activities and worked materials.

In the last few years, the application of quantitative methods in the field of use wear analysis has grown considerably, involving the use of different techniques. A development in surface measurements approaches has become necessary as standard assessments based upon qualitative functional analysis are often affected by a degree of subjectivity and a limited reproducibility.

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 Calabria region of Southern Italy is rich in mineralisation. Unfortunately, no consistent data are available about mineral exploitation in the later prehistoric periods. The Grotta della Monaca mine in Calabria is a prehistoric site that is characterised by the mineralisation of iron ores (such as goethite) and copper carbonates (malachite and azurite). For this reason, the site provides an exceptional opportunity to study a prehistoric mine in which several minerals were exploited during the late Neolithic and early Chalcolithic.

We present the results of a study on the experimental reproduction of a specific type of macro-lithic tool, traditionally called “teste di mazza”, distinctive to the Nuragic phase in Sardinia (17th-9th century BC). We analyzed a sample collected in the area of northern Sinis–in the western-central part of the island–in order to reconstruct the sequence of the technological actions required to produce these tools.

There are various indications for textile production in the ancient city of Pompeii and its vicinity, but archaeological

This contribution shows the first results of an experimental reconstruction of the Portonovo's underground ovens in order to explore their function. A comparison between the data collected on site and in laboratory confirm the hypothesis of a multipurpose use of the ovens and puts in evidence the problem of bias between the temperatures measured during the firing experiment and the temperatures estimated after XRPD analysis.

The research project Textile Culture at Pompeii is a multidisciplinary project, whose aim is to provide new input to the ongoing debate on the significance of the textile economy in the Vesuvian area in antiquity by considering textile culture as a whole. Archaeological investigations on contexts as well as archaeometric analyses on textile micro-samples reveal new information about the ‘textile topography’ of Pompeii, the local and imported goods as well as the standardised or high-quality textile products.