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The Apennine Chain provides the first example of stratigraphic (time) and synsedimentary tectonic (space) distribution of the 'calcari a Lucina' Miocene equivalents of modern cold-vent carbonates. Chemosynthetic faunal assemblages and related carbonate deposits are found at different stratigraphic levels, with peaks during Langhian-Serravallian and late Tortonian-early Messinian times. A general increase in frequency and volume occurs with time. A 'genetic link' between venting and the Messinian Evaporite event is difficult to demonstrate. However, Lucina limestones are limited to preevaporitic times, and their maximum abundance is reached just before the onset of the Messinian Evaporite accumulation. Lucina limestones occur in almost all tectofacies of the orogen, from backland to foreland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]