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In the field of botany applied to archaeological and palaeoecological studies, the multi- and inter-disciplinary nature of this research produces a lack of data sharing and scattered articles in the specialty literature or in national and international journals. The vast production of archaeobotany and palynology data makes it necessary to develop a tool for the availability, accessibility, and dissemination of existing research. Many databases exist on palaeoecology, archaeobotany or pollen data. There are no collections focused on archaeological sites and human-induced environments and centred on Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. BRAIN - Botanical Records of Archaeobotany Italian Network is the first database listing sites from which all types of plant records are available in Italy and nearby Mediterranean regions. BRAIN represents the largest integrated collection of archaeo/palaeo-botanical data and a range of descriptive information that makes data recovery FAIR ready. This unique network hosts data on the availability of anthropogenic pollen, palynomorphs and plant macroremains in the same database, and experts of different research fields may contribute to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• μXCT accelerates the numismatic identification process, outperforming current protocols. • It is performed on coins prior physical cleaning, without sample preparation. • Enables virtual reconstruction, preventing risks linked to manual handling. • Digitisation allows for information preservation and guides further cleaning. This study utilises X-ray Computed Micro-Tomography (μXCT) as a non-destructive and non-invasive method to recover the original surface features and reveal the characteristics of encrusted, illegible Roman copper-based coins before any physical cleaning process is performed. The coins were retrieved from the topsoil during an archaeological survey in the countryside of the ancient city of Aquileia, Italy, and were severely degraded, covered with accumulated matter and pronounced encrustations developed over centuries of aging buried in soil. Despite their condition, most of the coins were identified from a numismatic standpoint using tomographic data alone, with the aid of reference images. They were subsequently cleaned using traditional manual methods and the results compared with μXCT. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the coins after the physical cleaning confirmed their numismatic attribution and revealed information regarding the influence of different alloy compositions on the applicability of the μXCT method, as well as on the corrosion process of the coins. This study showcases how the application of μXCT on fragile corroded metal artifacts prior to any intrusive manual procedures can expedite the identification process, mitigating the risk of information loss caused by physical handling and cleaning. This approach proves particularly valuable when dealing with large numbers of coins that would typically require restoration for identification purposes. It also emphasises the numerous advantages of using μXCT for coin identification, provenance determination, dating, virtual restoration, digitisation, and long-term preservation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the integrated use of multiscale and multisensor remote sensing techniques and big data analysis for the identification of buried archaeological remains or areas of potential archaeological interest. Satellite multispectral data (at very high and high resolution), drone based visible, multispectral, and thermal imagery, and geophysical prospecting (gradiometer) were used. The ancient city of Metaponto was chosen as case study, as it was a very important city in the formative panorama of Italian Magna Graecia and it also is one of the most important and best preserved archaeological sites in southern Italy. The analysis of remote sensing data from different sensors, with different resolutions, and referable to different physical parameters, allowed to deepen archaeological knowledge on a landscape scale, as well as on a site scale, going from the analysis of traces of the ancient landscape (e.g. palaeo-channels, canalisation system, main roads), to the discovery of small features (e.g. secondary roads, houses, facilities). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the location and help in the conservation of buried structures in the ancient site of Tusculum, in Central Italy, archaeological and multi-methodological geophysical studies were developed in the recent last years. These studies included geophysical surveys, which were combined with topographical survey and direct archaeological excavations. Tusculum is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Alban Hills, located in the Latium region (Italy), about 25 km South-East of Rome. This settlement was inhabited since pre-Roman times, up to the middle ages. The objective of the Tusculum Project is to verify the town-planning of Tusculum and to obtain information about the location, shape, depth and size of the hypothesised buried buildings. With these aims, multi-methodological geophysical surveys have been carried out in the time range 2016–2019 to locate the archaeological remains in different portions of the studied area and to verify the orientation of the underground aqueduct system. GPR and gradiometric surveys were carried out to investigate the archaeological remains, while ERT surveys, were employed to find evidence of undiscovered parts of the underground aqueduct system. These results, along with geological studies and historic evidence, are being examined by archaeologist to understand the limits of the town and how water was supplied to such a large, populated settlement. The obtained results show very good correspondence between the buried architecture, the geophysical anomalies and the archaeological excavations. A number of unexpected buried buildings were discovered, which were excavated in 2017 and 2018, which showed remains of buried public thermal bath and a large church with surrounding funerary area built in the Middle Ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

79 samples of black glazed pottery, Terra sigillata, fine common ware, and production indicators were recovered in the archaeological site of Cales and investigated via a multi‐analytical program (polarized light microscopy, thermal analyses, XRPD, XRF, FESEM, FESEM‐EDS). Among the materials, finds of important production indicators, represented by welded pieces of black glazed pottery and spacers, attest a local production. Polarized light microscopy shows that the inclusions consist of feldspar, quartz, mica, calcite, and lithic fragments of both volcanic and sedimentary nature. Additional information about the mineralogical assemblage comes from the XRPD that revealed the presence of neoformed Ca‐silicates, indicating equivalent firing temperatures ranging from 750 to 1050°C. All the samples show a Ca‐rich character and an extreme compositional homogeneity, including the production indicators. The comparison with some Ca‐rich Campanian clay raw materials shows a greater affinity with the Mio‐Pliocene marine clay sediments of the Apennine sector, which include local clays. This allowed us to formulate the first hypotheses about clay sources used to produce fine pottery during the third century BCE to the early imperial period in Cales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Pontine Marshes (Central Italy) are known for their long drainage history starting early in Roman times and culminating in their reclamation (bonifica integrale) by the Fascist's regime under Mussolini, mostly in the 1930s of past century. The geology of this coastal wetland and causes for its drainage problems received limited attention till recently. We reviewed results from recent studies, identified still existing knowledge gaps and performed additional research to fill these, to produce a full description of the Holocene history and drainage of these marshes. Massive coring data that served to map the soils and surficial geology, observations in archaeological excavations, analytical data on soil and sediment characteristics, and radiocarbon datings allowed us to distinguish several phases in this history, with a main break in the early Roman Republican period with the first systematic drainage works. Earlier, natural processes brought about by sea level rise largely controlled its drainage. Once artificial drainage started, soil subsidence became an important process, aggravating the drainage problems. The bonifica introduced mechanical drainage, temporarily masking the impacts of subsidence. We quantified the historical subsidence using DTMs and developed scenarios for the impacts of sea level rise and subsidence in 2100 and 2200, assuming that this rise will be mitigated by a coastal defence system and enhanced capacity of the mechanical drainage. Our results demonstrate the important role of soil subsidence throughout the history of this wetland and need to include subsidence in scenarios for the impacts of sea level rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage is one of the most exceptional resources characterizing the Italian territory. Archaeological heritage, i.e., the archaeological sites with different types of archaeological artifacts, strongly contributes to enriching the national and international cultural heritage. Nevertheless, it is constantly exposed to external factors, such as natural deterioration, anthropic impact, and climate-related hazards, which may compromise its conservation. In Italy, many archaeological areas are affected by significant soil settlements that involve a large part of monuments. This paper focuses on the landslide hazard assessment of the archaeological site of Pietrabbondante (Molise region, Italy). The impact of the expected rainfall regimes, according to the EURO-CORDEX projections, on slope stability conditions were evaluated through the application of a physically based model that couples a hydraulic and a mechanical model to evaluate slope stability evolution due to pore pressure changes. Given the unavoidable lack of knowledge of the geotechnical soil properties in an archaeological heritage area, the proposed method considered the random uncertainty of soil parameters by means of a probabilistic approach in order to assess the stability conditions in terms of probability of occurrence of a landslide. The results of this study provide a reference for the safety assessment and preventive conservation of archaeological areas characterized by high cultural value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffuse data fruition of archaeological hypogeum sites still represents a challenge due to their limited accessibility and their preservation and maintenance issues. This implies that the fruition of these peculiar archaeological sites is often possible through digital reconstructions and interactive web navigation systems. The survey methodologies based on terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry allow making accurate and detailed digital reconstructions of these sites that are useful for virtual fruition purposes. In addition, many different systems can be used for remote web navigation and fruition. This work presents a possible solution for the virtual fruition of archaeological hypogea with a multiscale 3D web navigation system based on WebGL open-source technology. The system has been implemented for the Roman hypogeum of Crispia salvia, located in Marsala (southern Italy). The hypogeum belongs to the Archaeological Park of Lilibeo-Marsala and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in this area for its extraordinary frescoes. Public accessibility of this site is limited because it is located outside the boundaries of the Archaeological Park, in the modern town, and covered by a residential building. In this case, the web navigation system adds an important contribution due to the limited real accessibility to the site. This work shows the framework for the construction of the web navigation system, where 3D surveys, digital reconstructions, 3D modeling, and web development are integrated. The choice of using an open-source technology for the web navigation system limits the costs of the process, and, at the same time, grants the web dissemination of site information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1858 Józef Ignacy Kraszewski accomplished a trip around Italy, which was described in his travel diary Kartki z podróży 1858-1864 (Travel pages 1858-1864). Kraszewski's aims as an artist and art critic were to deepen his theoretical knowledge, to see the Antique Rome, since he was fascinated by archaeology and history, and visit Dante's city, because he had translated The Divine Comedy around 1864. Thanks to his travels, Italy became a more familiar and sensitive place to read the signs of the past. The ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii tell the story of an ancient past, not only offering an investigation into the meaning of existence, but also helping to grasp the meaning and direction of modern changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient human settlements accumulate essential historical, archaeological, and geological information. An example is the St. Angel Cave, which preserves a Romanesque church and a complex of lustral tubs in the Eastern Maiella Massif (Central Apennines of Italy). Historical chronicles and archaeological data show that the church dates to the 10th–11th century. The archaeometry applied to the ceramic, coin, and wooden artefacts resulting from the excavation established a chronology of the periods of use and abandonment of the St. Angel Cave. The layering of architectural elements, changes in style, and alterations of the church structure account for two collapses. The first could be related to the poorly known 1209 earthquake. In addition, we describe the damage and changes to the structure and the use of space caused probably by the 1706 and 1933 earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize seven metal artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the Siris area of Policoro (Matera, Southern Italy) dated during the five centuries BC. A range of analytical techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were applied, and a microbiological investigation was performed. Visually, the metal finds appeared to be deteriorating from severe corrosion. The state of oxidation, evidenced through OM on the surface of a lead stick and an arrowhead, did not allow the recognition of the constituent materials, which were qualitatively obtained by XRF and, in the case of an arrowhead by XPS. On the other hand, the XRD technique was decisive in characterizing a lancet. The XRF application was only possible for a fibula, a flask cap, an iron weapon, and a javelin tip, which allowed the first characterization of these metal finds. The acquired information is crucial to evaluate a suitable green protocol in the study's second phase to recover and preserve these artifacts as better as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GIS tools in archaeology have become fundamental for professionals and researchers around the world. In recent years, the "3D revolution" has drastically changed archaeological practices and methods, including the use of GIS. This paper presents the results of a project aimed at building an integrated system for the management and study of archaeological data in 2D and 3D, connecting GIS to BIM. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an innovative technology developed for architectural design and planning, and later adapted for cultural heritage and historic buildings (HBIM). More recently, it has been tested on archaeological sites. Some attempts have been made to connect landscape scale GIS projects with BIM models of individual buildings. However, these have not been applied specifically to archaeology thus far. Through the use of open-source software, a seamless workflow from data collection in GIS to 3D visualization and modeling in a native OpenBIM environment has been created. The paper illustrates this methodology with a case study about Altinum, a Roman city in northeastern Italy near Venice. The GIS component of the project manages the archaeological map of the city, while the OpenBIM application allows the virtual reconstruction of the sites. For the latter, the case of the ancient city-gate of Altinum is considered and explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological site activities are extremely destructive. To understand how civilizations have developed, archaeologists have to remove layers and layers of land to find evidences of their theories. An important task for researchers is to accurately document every single detail of the site before the definitive removal of precious information. Position, orientation and the context where findings are located could represent important data to be stored and compared many months after excavation process. Survey operations during site activities has to be considered extremely important, since they have to immortalize a particular moment of past human activities before its destruction. Despite this, most of the time archaeological records consist of two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional subjects. In recent years, the spreading of techniques to digitally document heritage assets have allowed to tested new approaches also in archaeological fields. Using digital cameras, drones and laser scanners it is possible to collect a multitude of details, such as textures, materials, decay phenomena, and to collect all these data inside 3D models. Digital techniques for documenting archaeological site has been tested during excavation campaigns in Sant'Andrea in Mombasiglio church, in the northern of Italy. The site has been documented along many years and in different excavation progresses, to be able to digitally recreate multiple stages of site evolution. 4D stored information can be used by archaeologist for scientific purpose, as in the museums through VR and AR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a completely non-destructive study of the crystalline phases present in the vitreous matrix of ancient mosaic glass tesserae, based on the application of the time-of-flight neutron diffraction (ToF-ND) technique. In contrast, standard phase analysis techniques may involve a sample preparation step, which is not compatible with the requirement of damage prevention of archaeological artefacts. Moreover, superficial or spot investigation by standard methods may not provide a complete description of the samples, especially in the case of inhomogeneous materials such as mosaic glasses, whereas ToF-ND can investigate the whole glass composition at the centimetre scale. The present study aims to obtain a bulk characterization of the glasses in terms of their mineralogical phase composition. Six glass specimens of ancient mosaic glass tesserae, that had been previously analysed with other non-destructive techniques to obtain their chemical and phase composition, were investigated by ToF-ND. These tesserae come from archaeological excavations or mosaics under restoration from different archaeological sites and geographical areas (Italy, Greece, and Syria) and date from the 1st to the 11th century AD. Several crystalline phases based on Ca, Sb, Sn, Cu and Pb minerals were identified, confirming the mineralogical phases identified with Raman spectroscopy in previous analyses. In addition, several other phases were identified for five of the samples. It is concluded that ToF-ND is an extremely important complementary tool for non-destructive bulk investigations of mosaic glass tesserae, which can overcome the heterogeneity of this kind of archaeological material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of geophysical investigations for archaeological purposes is now provided also by Italian reforms about preventive archaeology. They allow not only the discovery or the spatial definition of possible buried archaeological evidence, but they are also able to define the state of preservation of ancient structures. The Bocca delle Menate archaeological site is in Comacchio village territory, situated in Ferrara provence (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). The archeological site provides important evidence of the Roman presence in the Po Delta (Italy). The Roman villa was excavated between 1958 and 1959, during the reclaiming works in the Mezzano Valley (Comacchio, Ferrara). An archaeological preliminary survey and a geophysical field trip using Geomagnetic and Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Methods were carried out, following the aim to identify the planimetry of the villa previously excavated and eventually newly discovered archaeological remains. The geomagnetic results detected the archaeological buried structures, even if the original disposition of them is not completely highlighted. The electromagnetic method was able to depict the geological and geomorphological background surrounding the Roman villa. The obtained results highlighted that the applied geophysical methods are excellent tools for the preservation, protection, and monitoring of archaeological heritage previously excavated, adding to their already known importance as best tools for new archaeological buried remains detections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the potential of an integrated approach using aerial LiDAR, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and archaeological survey to detect the presence and configuration of lost medieval settlements under canopy. This approach was applied to the site of Altanum (Calabria, Italy), on the hill of Sant'Eusebio, completely covered by vegetation. Altanum was a large fortified settlement characterised by a long occupation, especially during the Byzantine and Norman-Swabian periods. The activity began by carrying out a LiDAR survey of the whole hill. The acquired LiDAR data were processed and filtered in order to obtain a DFM (Digital Feature Model) useful for the identification of features of archaeological interest. Several enhancement techniques were performed on DFM to increase the visibility of archaeological features. The features thus identified were subsequently surveyed through the use of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry integrated with laser scanning to document the visible buildings. The most significant result of the study was to create a single GIS platform with the integration of all data in order to delineate the whole settlement layout, as well as to produce 2D and 3D datasets useful for the for knowledge and protection of the identified remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the Younger Dryas (YD) fluctuation on Late Pleistocene hunter‐gatherers' settlement and subsistence systems in the southern Alps are poorly known. This is primarily due to the scarcity of archaeological sites dating from the YD, in contrast with the extensive evidence available from the lateglacial interstadial and the early Holocene. Here, we present the initial stratigraphic, chronologic and geoarchaeological data collected from Cornafessa rock shelter, a new site located in the Lessini massif of the Italian Alps, at an elevation of 1240 m. The site was occupied during both the YD and the early Holocene. The YD archaeological deposit is clearly recognisable within the fairly uniform lateglacial and Holocene clastic succession. Geoarchaeological data indicate that the YD deposit corresponds to an occupation surface, which was formed during short visits to the site by late Epigravettian hunter‐gatherer groups, who settled in the sheltered area and performed distinct activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing interest in the health burden of malaria in ancient times is complimented by recent DNA confirmation of its presence at several archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This study presents a model of ancient malaria risk for the region with utility for synthesis and application. The GIS-based model combines malaria risk factors that can be reasonably known for pre-modern times. Calibration, verification, and validation of the model is possible through use of a detailed map of pre-eradication malaria endemicity in Italy, the 1882 Carta della Malaria dell’Italia. The model provides a cross-disciplinary tool by bringing technical GIS capabilities to the evaluation of textual sources having potential malarial connections. The study’s main product is an open access relative malaria risk layer for GIS use and application to historical reconstruction. Example maps using model output and potential use are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IsoMedIta database compiles 6304 stable isotope measurements (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ34S, 87Sr/86Sr) from archaeological sites in medieval Italy (c. 500–1500 CE). The data is spatiotemporally referenced and includes bioarchaeological and paleo-environmental descriptions, alongside with other archaeological, biological, historical, environmental and technical metadata. IsoMedIta can be employed to address various historical questions at different spatial and temporal scales. It is also a resource for defining future research agendas and for heritage management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banducci's treatment of the faunal data makes good use of the information that is available; greater insights will require zooarchaeologists to develop (and apply) more nuanced methods for quantifying food culture. In this book Banducci presents a refreshing and data-driven exploration of Republican foodways, weaving together detailed evidence from different archaeological materials with historical narratives and ethnographic perspectives. The methodology section provides an interesting and well-illustrated overview of cooking ceramics alongside Banducci's novel recording system for use wear. [Extracted from the article]

This work is part of a project of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the enhancement of the widespread archaeological heritage of the Po delta area. Excavation activities, carried out in 2015, allowed the sampling of the stratigraphic elements and artifacts of the archaeological site of the lighthouse tower of Baro Zavelea, municipality of Comacchio (Ferrara, northeast Italy). In this work, the geochemical characterization of sediments and building materials was conducted using granulometric analyses, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and calcimetry on different types of samples, including sands, clays, mortars, and bricks, with the scope to better characterize all of the different types of sediments collected. This multidisciplinary approach allowed the diagnostic and evaluation of the state of conservation of Baro Zavalea. Granulometric analyses highlighted the fact that depositional environments were of very different natures: fluvial environments and paleo–alveo environments. In addition, XRF analysis allowed the discrimination of different clay samples, some from basins poor in carbonates, while, for the construction of the bricks of the second wall structure, clays rich in carbonate were chosen to add lightness to the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the earliest known settlements of Pre-Roman Padua, Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy) was located in the very centre of the present-day city. The archaeological excavations revealed structures related to craft activities (metallurgical and pottery workshops) and residential areas datable from the late 9th to the 1st century BCE. A large pyrotechnic structure formed by an earthen block densely filled and covered by broken ceramic vessels was found, bringing to light the earliest foundry of the Pre-Roman Padua known to date. Many potsherds found in the site correspond to a regional ceramic class that included coarse and fine wares mainly composed of very dark ceramic bodies. A multi-analytical study based on macroscopic and petrographic descriptions as well as mineralogical, geochemical and microstructural analyses, was carried out in order to state the technological choices adopted for producing these dark vessels and the provenance of the raw materials. A poorly manufacturing was adopted to produce the common pottery, resulting coarse wares uneven textured, while the fine wares were produced by adopting the purification of the base clays and/or the tempering of the clay pastes. Common geo-resources were used, consisting in illitic-chloritic clays rich in quartz and feldspars, the firing regime conditions covered a range of maximum temperatures (normally under 850 °C) and the temper was constituted by silicate (chiefly quartzite, rhyolite and trachyte rock fragments) and/or carbonate (calcite and/or dolomite) inclusions, that were added after having been grounded and/or sieved. The specific mineral and lithic markers of provenance identified in the sherds confirmed the correspondence of this pottery with a local production. However, the specific technological choices that were carried out must be taking into consideration, since the purification removed the larger grains originally present in the base clays and the tempering influenced the chemical composition of the sherds. The different degree of purification of the base clays and the differential tempering procedures that were accomplished point out the adoption of very specific recipes to produce the fine wares, suggesting the correspondence of this local ceramic class with diverse sub-productions and the high level of specialization achieved by the potters in southern Veneto during the Early Iron Age. • Dark sherds from the earliest foundry of Pre-Roman Padua known to date are studied. • Fine wares were carefully produced by adopting very specific technological choices. • Markers of provenance allow to attest this dark pottery with a local production. • The purification and the tempering procedures must be considered in provenance studies. • The potters of southern Veneto achieved a high level of specialization at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional digital acquisition techniques can be useful in archaeology because they make a further technological contribution to the visualization of finds and structures. The possibility of integrating three-dimensional models from different acquisition systems (laser scanner, UAV, reflex and Georadar) is even more exciting. One of the peculiarities of these integration techniques is the possibility of promoting the dissemination of knowledge through virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, given the widespread use of mobile devices. This does not mean, of course, that with the mere creation of a 3D model (and allowing it to be viewed in 3D), the public automatically obtains more information about heritage. In fact, visiting a cultural heritage site in person allows one to receive much more information on finds and structures. However, if this is not possible, technologies that use 3D Virtual Reality help to provide a small knowledge base to those who cannot use the museum. We underline the importance of an integrated visualization from an archaeological and architectural perspective to obtain understanding of the structure with the integration of the two models with different data. The work that we present is part of a multidisciplinary project to recover and disseminate information about the Reggio Calabria's (southern Italy) artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage. This work's goal is the realization of a unique 3D model of the church "Madonna dei Poveri" (3D model of a buried part with 3D model of visible parts) by combining different geomatics techniques to show and investigate the interior and exterior parts (3D model obtained by laser scanner and photogrammetry), and the underground crypts (3D model obtained by Georadar), which are lying below the present surface and are no longer accessible due to coverage by post-depositional processes (Georadar). Finally, an app (using augmented reality and virtual reality) and a first experimentation of Mixed Reality is developed for the dissemination of the archaeological and cultural heritage information on the area of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention to the condition assessment and conservation of cultural heritage is increasing due to growing sensitivity to the preservation of the built and natural environment and awareness of the risks associated with natural hazards. In this context, a comprehensive approach to the conservation and valorization of cultural heritage requires the combined action of different skills to achieve reliable assessment of the conditions of valuable assets and sites based on qualitative and quantitative indicators. This paper explores the issues of conservation and sustainable management of archaeological sites, considering humanistic and technical aspects. It reviews the current rules and practices concerning the maintenance and administration of archaeological heritage and outlines the implementation of a novel procedure, based on low-cost tools, to assess and describe the current condition of archaeological assets. Specific attention is paid to the interaction between experts and researchers operating in both humanistic and technical fields and to the knowledge and data contribution available on modern web-based platforms to implement reliable and low-cost data acquisition for the development of worthwhile plans for the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage. The Samnite complex of Pietrabbondante, Molise, South Italy, is employed to apply and check the proposed tools in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Versilia plain (NW Italy) experiences forms of tourism that are mainly limited to the beach area and concentrated in the summer season. The area is rich in cultural and natural heritage, not yet adequately enhanced. The presence of four local archaeological museums and a natural park offers a great opportunity to favour feasible archaeological and environmental tourism. The aim of this study is to use a holistic methodology to improve a different type of tourism in the study area. We propose a consilient multidisciplinary approach based on geological, biological and archaeological data in order to enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the Versilia plain. We have based our study on the reconstruction of palaeoenvironment maps showing the evolution of the territory and used them as a leitmotiv to link the archaeological museums and the natural park. We define real and virtual itineraries to create a synergy between the most important archaeological and natural sites and museums. It is possible to promote a different type of tourism in the study area by decreasing human impact and creating a relationship between the fragmented natural and archaeological heritage. Palaeoenvironment maps and real and virtual itineraries can be consulted with the aid of a web application, more specifically web mapping, developed with free and open-source libraries. The web mapping also contains other geological, geomorphological and archaeological datasets, which allow to understand the evolution of the environment and the cultural and natural heritage of the study area. The dataset available on the web mapping is also downloadable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Brassica includes some of the most important vegetable and oil crops worldwide. Many Brassica seeds (which can show diagnostic characters useful for species identification) were recovered from two archaeological sites in northern Italy, dated from between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We tested the combined use of archaeobotanical keys, ancient DNA barcoding, and references to ancient herbarium specimens to address the issue of diagnostic uncertainty. An unequivocal conventional diagnosis was possible for much of the material recovered, with the samples dominated by five Brassica species and Sinapis. The analysis using ancient DNA was restricted to the seeds with a Brassica-type structure and deployed a variant of multiplexed tandem PCR. The quality of diagnosis strongly depended on the molecular locus used. Nevertheless, many seeds were diagnosed down to species level, in concordance with their morphological identification, using one primer set from the core barcode site (matK). The number of specimens found in the Renaissance herbaria was not high; Brassica nigra, which is of great ethnobotanical importance, was the most common taxon. Thus, the combined use of independent means of species identification is particularly important when studying the early use of closely related crops, such as Brassicaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geophysical methods, and particularly ground penetrating radar (GPR), have been increasingly applied as a preliminary mapping tool to guide archaeological excavations. Direct comparisons between geophysical and archaeological features are however not always systematically performed given the different time spans, covered areas, acquisition and processing approaches of the surveys. A critical comparison between geophysical and archaeological results is here proposed on a test site within the archaeological area of Augusta Bagiennorum (NW Italy). Three rectangular sectors covering an area of approximately 2325 m2 were investigated with high‐density GPR profiles and compared with both historical and new archaeological excavations. The GPR amplitude and attribute analyses highlight the effectiveness of geophysical prospections in identifying buried linear (i.e., walls) and localized (e.g., pillars or columns) archaeological remains. The recent archaeological excavations fully confirm the interpretation of the GPR results. Historical archaeological trenches, filled with coarse material after the excavation, are also found to generate strong anomalies in the GPR amplitude, similar to the ones of the buried structures, but with irregular contours and oblique orientations with respect to Roman remains. The GPR prospections also highlight interesting buried elements in unexplored areas, supporting important archaeological interpretations about the spatial configuration of the Roman city. The results help to recognize sectors with significant and well‐preserved buried remains that can be brought to light in the future to promote heritage conservation and enhancement at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D recording methodologies have been successfully integrated into the archaeological fieldwork practice, resulting in a widely accepted series of advantages for the documentation of the excavation. However, post-processing analysis is often neglected and recording protocols do not consider possible developments for exploiting the potential of 3D data. At the excavation of Vetricella, in Italy, the ERC nEU-Med project developed a digital documentation protocol aimed at reconstructing the volumetric physical space occupied by each stratigraphic unit, generating more than a thousand contexts over the course of four archaeological seasons. In this contribution we are going to present how the volumetric approach has influenced the whole methodology of documentation since the recording stage, introducing a standardized workflow aimed at reconstructing solid geometries from 3D surfaces. In this protocol a great attention is paid to the strategies, timings and needs of the fieldwork practice, without overlooking important archaeological aspects such as data accuracy and the chance to generate data for more quick on-field interpretation. The final outcome is a new visualization and analysis of the space with the use of volumetric models, which results in greater accuracy in displaying physical and stratigraphic relationships, as well as generating volumetric quantitative data. In the end, some examples drawn from Vetricella will be employed to show how solid 3D geometries and volumetric quantities can be used in support of the archaeological interpretation of the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the study and dissemination of Christian symbolic iconography, focusing on the Christian paintings of banquet scenes from the catacombs of Rome, Italy to the facsimile catacombs in Valkenburg, Netherlands of the 19th century. Topics discussed archaeological excavations and discoveries of the catacombs of San Callisto and Priscilla, and reproductions of the Sacrament Cubicles of Sacraments from San Callisto and the Cappella G of the catacombs of Priscilla.

The term "weeds" refers to "plants suitable for habitats modified by man and that interfere with human activities". It implies an anthropocentric rather than an ecological vision since the existence and the characteristic of the interference depends on men's purposes. In the archaeological sites, the most important damage is the functional one and it ranges from hazards for the structures to the interference that weed flora can exert on the technical management and fruition of the site. In this particular type of environment, the diverse methods available to quantify the magnitude of the infestation are not sufficient to describe the potential or actual hazard to which a given infested site is subjected. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a greater degree of detail (including morphological, ecological, and physiological properties of the weeds) and to keep them all in consideration. The aim of the present work was to try to identify and propose a method for the assessment of the hazards and thus the damages that a weed community can lead in sites of historical and archaeological interest. The procedure quantifies the degree of the infestation, in terms of occurring species, quantifies the related hazard based on some traits of the weed species, and calculates indexes capable of providing synthetic and comparable information on the hazard to which the site is exposed. The proposed method was applied and tested in some sites of archaeological interest in the Apulia Region, in southern Italy. Applied to the surveyed archaeological sites, the proposed Indexes revealed the presence of weed infestations variously assorted in terms of potential damage, generating different hazard scores. This confirms the importance of understanding the type of infestation and not only its extent. In this study, a procedure was provided that can support decision-makers. Although studied for archaeological sites, the same principles adopted in this procedure could be proposed for other non-agricultural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents an application of the conceptual model of 'aggradational succession' (i.e., the sedimentary record deposited in response to sea-level rise during the glacial terminations) to a series of geological sections of the Paleo-Tiber delta cropping out along the Via Aurelia near Rome, Italy. The geochronological constraints provided here through 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic layers intercalated within the sedimentary deposits of the MIS 13 and MIS 11 aggradational successions resulted in some remarkable outcomes: 1) we reconstruct an independent chronology of the Mediterranean sea-level oscillations 450 through 380 ka, in good agreement with the δ18O and the Red Sea relative sea level curve chronology; 2) the Glacial Termination V is here bracketed in the interval 423.1 ± 4.4–438.7 ± 1.2 ka; 3) we show that the aggradational successions of MIS 11 and MIS 13 display similar spatial/geometric features despite the significantly different amplitude of their Oxygen isotope records, challenging the regression models linking absolute values of benthic foraminifera δ18O and ice-volume; 4) we show the relevance of a climatic-stratigraphic approach in dating coastal-to-fluvial sedimentary contexts; 5) we provide indirect age constraints with the precision of a few ka for two important palaeoanthropological and archaeological sites in central Italy bearing Acheulean lithic industries and human remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal archaeological excavations, generally denoted as looting, is one of the most important damage factors to cultural heritage, as it upsets the human occupation stratigraphy of sites of archaeological interest. Looting identification and monitoring are not an easy task. A consolidated instrument used for the detection of archaeological features in general, and more specifically for the study of looting is remote sensing. Nevertheless, passive optical remote sensing is quite ineffective in dense vegetated areas. For these type of areas, in recent decades, LiDAR data and its derivatives have become an essential tool as they provide fundamental information that can be critical not only for the identification of unknown archaeological remains, but also for monitoring issues. Actually, LiDAR can suitably reveal grave robber devastation, even if, surprisingly, up today LiDAR has been generally unused for the identification of looting phenomenon. Consequently, this paper deals with an approach devised ad hoc for LiDAR data to detect looting. With this aim, some spatial visualization techniques and the geomorphon automatic landform extraction were exploited to enhance and extract features linked to the grave robber devastation. For this paper, the Etruscan site of San Giovenale (Northern Lazio, Italy) was selected as a test area as it is densely vegetated and was deeply plundered throughout the 20th century. Exploiting the LiDAR penetration capability, the prediction ability of the devised approach is highly satisfactory with a high rate of success, varying from 85–95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gandharan art developed in the Himalayan area in the early centuries CE. It has been investigated mostly from an iconographic point of view, missing, until very recently, a systematic technical investigation of materials and techniques. Recently our team began performing chemical analyses of the traces of the polychromy originally covering statues, reliefs and architectural decorations, to discover the ancient painting techniques and artistic technologies. This paper presents the results of the analytical investigation (optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) of pigments, ground layers and binders of a new group of samples taken from stucco architectural decorations (2nd–3rd/4th centuries CE). The samples were collected directly at an archaeological site in the Swat Valley, ensuring the exact knowledge of their stratigraphic provenance, as well as the absence of any restoration treatment applied prior sampling. The results are discussed in the wider context of Gandharan polychromy investigated so far by our team, as found in sculptures and architectural decorations preserved in museums (in Italy and France) and in archaeological excavations in Pakistan. The aim of this research is to shed light on the materials and techniques of this Buddhist ancient art from this region and on the influences exerted on it from Eastern and Western artistic traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Several unusual small objects from the Villa del Foro archaeological excavation were characterized and interpreted either as gaming pieces or functional materials. An interesting assemblage of ancient ceramic materials connected or potentially connected with gaming activities has been characterized from the archaeometric point of view. The materials (washer-like pieces, small spheres, and cubic dice, with and without inscriptions) were found in the Villa del Foro excavation (Alessandria, Italy). They are related to the early Ligurian population of the site and their frequent contacts with Etruscan both in Etruria and in the Po Valley, in a period spanning the early VI century BC till the first half of the V century BC. Starting from the materials evidence, hypotheses are proposed concerning their possible use and cultural meaning. The studied cubic dice are discussed in the wider context of the pre-Roman diffusion of these objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 1990s, the Groningen Institute of Archaeology has carried out surveys and excavations in the Sibaritide (Calabria, South Italy) with a strong interest in the study of mobility based on changes in material culture and settlement patterns related to Bronze Age Aegean, Greek and Roman presence. In a newly planned archaeological project, the authors aim to open a window on the multicultural interaction in the landscapes of the Sibaritide from the mediaeval to the modern period, particularly related to the arrival and enduring presence of Arbëreshë communities. The project will start out in the summer of 2023 with an archaeological survey of the landscapes surrounding the Arbëreshë villages of Civita/Çifti and Frascineto/Frasnita where the Groningen Institute of Archaeology already conducts excavations of Bronze Age sites. The local Arbëreshë communities will be involved in the project through participatory practices and ethnographic listening. This approach will help us to trace the history of migration and the strong sense of place of the contemporary Arbëreshë people within a shared process of knowledge production. With our new project we hope to support an inclusive long-term narrative of the cultural encounters in the Sibaritide in which the local landscape is valued as heritage conceptualised in archaeological and ethnographic terms, but also in the stories and memories of the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Atti della Società dei Naturalisti e Matematici di Modena is the property of Societa dei Naturalisti e Matematici di Modena and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to present new additional data regarding the relative sea-level (RSL) changes and the vertical ground movements (VGM) occurred in Campi Flegrei caldera since the Early Roman period (3rd century BC), commenting also on the accompanying changes of the coastal landscape and its implications in terms of human adaptation. The study area is located along the western sector of the Campi Flegrei caldera, one of the active volcanic systems of the Mediterranean region that started its activity more than 60 ka BP. Despite the human occupation of Campi Flegrei started not later than the Early Bronze Age (about 3.5 ka BP) and the earliest coastal settlements date back to the first Greek colonization of Southern Italy (ca. 800 BC), nowadays, the numerous coastal archaeological sites that are scattered in the studied area belong to the Roman period. The geoarchaeological interpretation of these remains allows detecting and dating of ancient positions of relative sea levels (RSLs), reconstructing of past coastal conformations, and measuring ancient VGM. The coastal sector between the modern Baia and Miseno was surveyed with a transdisciplinary and multi-proxy approach by means of direct and indirect methods, including, among others, paleo-environmental and archaeo-stratigraphic well logs analysis, geo-acoustic maps interpretation, and measurements of archaeological indicators of ancient sea levels. By comparing our measurement of RSL with the eustatic models of Peltier (2004) and Lambeck et al. (2011), the VGMs history of the coastal sector in the last 2300 years was reconstructed. Even if several volcano-tectonic oscillations were recorded, the obtained multi-proxy indications allow reconstructing two different behaviours in terms of vertical displacements: an overall subsiding trend affecting the area between the Early Roman period and the Middle Age, and a prevailing uplift after that period. The main coastal changes that occurred in the same period can be summarized in a coastal retreat ranging between 40 and 300 m, mainly due to the submersion of the pre-existing coastal area and leading to the submersion of villas, thermae, and other structures built on it. However, based on our measurements, the time span covered by the high-resolution data obtained from the three fish tanks here studied (60 BC – 12 AD) appears to be a period of volcano-tectonic stability, without significant VGMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a book review of "Due storie, una valle. La transizione Antichità-Medioevo nell'Alta Valle del Tagliamento attraverso l'archeologia" edited by Sauro Gelichi, Silvia Cadamuro, and Alessandra Cianciosi. The book focuses on the archaeological excavations in the Alta Valle del Tagliamento region in Italy. It explores the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages in this area, with a particular emphasis on the late Roman and early medieval periods. The review highlights two sites, Cuol di Ciastiel and Andrazza, and provides detailed information about their findings and significance. Overall, the book offers valuable insights into the history and development of this upland region in Italy. [Extracted from the article]

Despite the assumed elevated rates of young female mortality in ancient times, likely associated with pregnancy and childbirth risks, evidence of maternal–fetal deaths is surprisingly scarce in the osteoarchaeological record. Archaeological excavations conducted in the medieval rural cemetery of Pieve di Pava (Tuscany, central Italy) brought to light the burials of four young females deceased with fetuses. This research aims to reconstruct the osteobiographies of these mothers and the unborn children in order to investigate potential complications that may have played a role in their death. In this context, a paleopathological analysis of the female individuals was performed along with the examination of fetal position and the assessment of gestational age (GA) to explore potential links to obstetrical deaths. The spatial association of the mother and the fetus suggests a death during the later stages of pregnancy or childbirth for the two individuals T. 71 and US 8432; moreover, the position of her preterm 8‐month fetus, found between her legs of the latter, might be consistent with a case of postmortem fetal extrusion, a phenomenon that is rarely observed in osteoarchaeology. According to the same analytical criteria, two other females (T. 99 and US 8941), with an eight/nine‐month and a six‐month fetus respectively, reasonably died during pregnancy. The study of these cases from medieval Italy contributes to current interpretations of maternal–fetal death in the past, providing insights into the health status of young females and the risks they may have faced during pregnancy and childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pontecagnano is one of the largest pre-Roman sites in southern Italy, best known for its necropolises, located around the inhabited area. Archaeological excavations of the burial areas have uncovered more than ten thousand burials. Several studies have highlighted different phases of the settlement's development from the 9th to the 3rd century BCE, which are marked by major societal and cultural shifts. In turn, these periods are reflected by changes in funerary customs. The present study aims to provide further evidence of these social transitions through an interdisciplinary analysis focused on the non-adult population. The analysis integrates archaeological, anthropological, and archeozoological data relating to 152 burials from three chronologically and spatially distinct funerary sectors: Colucci (early Iron Age, 9th century – 8th century BCE); De Chiara (Orientalizing period, 7th century – 6th century BCE); and Baldi (Archaic period, 6th century – first half of the 5th century BCE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological site La Marmotta (AnguillaraSabazia, Italy) is a singular place as regards the conservation and recovery of wood and plant remains. The exceptional preservation at the site allowed the recovery of five canoes and numerous objects related to navigation, house building, agriculture, hunting and craft activities. The wide range of artefacts found, and the time of the occupation between 5700 and 5300 cal BC, make La Marmotta a point of reference for the study of technology in wood during the early Neolithic in the Mediterranean basin. The specific objective of this study is the taxonomic identification of the ligneous species used as raw material to make artefacts for farming activities. An assemblage of complete and fragmented sickles has been studied. Deciduous Quercus sp. Is the most important taxonaccording to the number of sickles identified. However, other taxa were also used. Woodworking implies a profound knowledge of the natural environment and the characteristics of the wood. The assemblage of wooden objects found at the La Marmotta site reflects the significance of this raw material for Neolithic societies. They are undoubtedly the reflection of a technologically skilled society that will revolutionise our conception of Neolithic communities, which were much more advanced than we thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of Norba is located in the Latium Region, about 90 km S of Rome, Italy. The city is one of the best example of urban town planning, with a regular layout dating back to antiquity. Over the years, many studies and archaeological excavations have brought to light important remains of several buildings, which are still very well preserved. To enhance the knowledge of the unexcavated portions of the archaeological site and to locate the position of the unknown and hypothesized buried structures, extensive geophysical surveys employing the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Gradiometric methods were planned and conducted between 2017 and 2018. For the measurements, a GPR system SIR3000 (GSSI), equipped with a 400 MHz bistatic antenna with constant offset, was used to survey 27 different sectors close to few excavated areas. Taking into account the environmental conditions of the site and the nature of the buried structures, some areas were surveyed with a spacing interval between parallel profiles of 0.25 m while other areas were investigated with a spatial interval between closed parallel profiles of 0.50 m. Furthermore, fluxgate differential magnetic (Gradiometric) surveys were carried out using the geoscan FM256 in two areas, overlapping the GPR areas. In order to have a better understanding of the subsurface, methods of qualitative and quantitative integration of the results have been employed: maps overlays and RGB color composites (graphical integration), binary data analysis and cluster analysis (discrete data integration), and data sum, data product and principal component analysis (continuous data integration). The results obtained from the geophysical surveys were interpreted together with the archaeologists to define the meaning of the structures identified and to enhance the knowledge of the ancient town's layout and mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excavations carried out at the Latin city of Gabii between 2012 and 2018 have contributed new data to a number of debates around the emergence, lived experience, maintenance, decline, and resilience of cities. Gabii's urban trajectories demonstrate both seemingly familiar forms of urbanism and, on closer study, many locally circumscribed elements. Specifically, the Gabii Project excavations have uncovered an early Iron Age (8th–5th centuries b.c.) hut complex that has provided evidence for architecture, funerary rites, and quotidian activities during the initial polynuclear settlement at urbanizing Gabii. A unique monumental complex constructed in the 3rd century b.c. has been identified and is interpreted as a public structure potentially used for ritual activities; the study of this complex raises questions about the creation and reception of markers of civic identity. Excavation data has further characterized the reorganizations that took place during the first centuries a.d., when Gabii's settled area contracted. Rather than unidirectional decline, evidence for industrial activities increases, and elite investments in the city persist, especially in the mixed-use elite domestic and agricultural complex. These results provide detailed evidence for how ancient cities developed and transformed in the face of shifting local and regional conditions, especially smaller urban centers (Gabii) at the periphery of mega-urban centers (Rome). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental twinning (or "double teeth") is a rare developmental condition that implies the fusion of two or more adjacent teeth. Clinical literature reports individual cases and extensive population studies to clarify causation, distribution, heritability and differential diagnosis of the different types of dental twinning (i.e. fusion, gemination, and accretion) whereas, documentation for past populations is still scarce. Aims: the present study documents four new archaeological cases of dental twinning of deciduous teeth from four different Italian archaeological sites and positions them within the framework of the known literature. Materials and methods: the observed cases include five deciduous teeth from four subadults from Sardinia (Monte Sirai, 7th-4th cent. BCE and Santa Filitica, 7th cent. CE), Campania (Velia, 1st-2nd cent. CE) and Latium (Villamagna, 13th-15th cent. CE). The identification, descriptions and differential diagnoses of the anomalies were performed with the use of morphological analyses and, in one case, radiographic means. Results: all cases fall within the category of double teeth; each involving a different set of processes (gemination and dental fusion), teeth (deciduous central incisors, lateral incisors and canines), locations (upper and lower) and occurrence (unilateral and bilateral). Conclusion: to this day, cases reported in literature of dental twinning in archaeological samples are sparse and limited to specific geographical areas. This study adds four more cases from Italy suggesting such anomalies should be recorded in dental analyses in order to, one day, obtain a more reliable modelling of the frequencies and distributions in past populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Roman Pottery Studies is the property of Casemate Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Where the ancient parish church of S. Giovanni in Campagna now stands, there was previously a pagan sanctuary. The Templar complex is located in the Municipality of Bovolone, in the province of Verona, and annexed to the Church there is an external octagonal baptistery which indicates the possible Lombard link of the San Giovanni complex. Of the primitive complex today only the left apsidiole remain. some parts of the perimeter walls of the apse and some areas of the baptistery. The building seems to have been destroyed during an earthquake in 1117, which caused serious damage throughout the Verona area. Following this event, the church was entirely rebuilt, using partly material recovered from the previous structure, and partly new material for the abbey complex. In the first quarter of 1500, the San Giovanni complex was affected by sub- stantial maintenance and renovation works. The roof of the church was rebuilt, the main arch of the nave was built, the bell tower was rebuilt and a new entrance was opened for the baptistery, which was in turn covered and richly decorated inside with sixteenth-century frescoes reproducing the life and martyrdom of St. John. At the end of the 18th century, the Baptistery was enlarged by converting it into an Oratory, but it was also decided to downgrade the church, reducing it to a simple agricultural building. A new building was then added to the oratory, intended for the functions of presbytery, choir and small sacristy; while the church was renovated and transformed partly into a barn and partly into a living space. The conclusion of the last phase of restoration of the Pieve di San Giovanni dates back to June 2002, following a campaign promoted by the Archaeolo- gical Superintendence of Veneto which reconfirmed its archaeological impor- tance. The archaeological excavations carried out led to the discovery of the ancient immersion baptismal font under the eighteenth-century flooring. A discovery of considerable value, unique in all of northern Italy and probably also in Italy of a testimony in an extra-urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the history of the olive in Puglia, southern Italy, from prehistory to the Middle Ages, including evidence from various sources. The primary source of information is from archaeological sites, where the remains have been found of olive pollen, stones and wood charcoal, olive presses and pottery kilns for making amphorae for transporting olives or their oil. The survey also includes data from pollen sequences from natural sites and from written documents referring to olive groves. Our study shows that olives have been cultivated since the Early Neolithic, but it is only during the Middle Bronze Age that the domestic type appeared in the region, a consequence of selective cultivation of the wild type. The domestication of the olive had been completed by the first half of the 1st millennium bc, during the Iron Age–Archaic period, when remains of olives appear outside their area of natural distribution. The increasing exchanges with the Greeks during the Hellenistic period favoured the spread of olive cultivation and led to the construction of olive presses for oil extraction. The Roman conquest promoted the production of olive oil, which was successfully traded during the Republican and Early Imperial periods. After the Roman period ended, economic developments and political turmoil led to a decrease in olive growing, which did not fully recover until the Norman period in the 12th century ad. Later, under the Swabians, olives became a key crop and a major asset for the economy of Puglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1:28,000-scale geoarchaeological map has been prepared for a large sector of the Ionian coastal belt of the Basilicata region, southern Italy, in order to investigate the relationships between the spatial distribution of archaeological sites of Greek settlement of Metapontum and the main landforms of this sector of the Bradano Foredeep. Archaeological investigation consists of an examination and a re-organisation of published data and new field surveys, which has allowed us to infer the relationships between landform elements and spatial distribution of about 1400 archaeological remnants of the Greek colony of Metapontum. Our results highlight a non-random distribution of the archaeological evidence and the strong influence of geomorphological features and processes on the settlement pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty five ceramic shards discovered in archaeological excavations at Castellum 22 site, Constanţa County, southeastern Romania, and dated to the 10th–11th centuries AD, were subjected to scientific investigations in order to get clues about the raw materials and manufacturing techniques employed by the potters from the Lower Danube zone at the end of the 1st millennium AD. The analyzed shards were selected according to archaeological criteria. The characteristics of the fabric, such as texture, porosity and microstructure, as well as the surface treatments and firing conditions, were studied using Optical Microscopy (OM). Chemical composition was determined using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique at AN2000 accelerator of LNL, INFN, Italy. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the PIXE data for the ceramic bodies highlighted two main groups of shards with distinct compositional signatures. Micro-PIXE maps of the interfaces between the olive green or yellow glaze and the underlying ceramic body indicated that the decorative layers are strongly enriched in lead. The results of these investigations were compared to the ones previously obtained on coeval pottery from other archaeological sites, such as Hârşova , Oltina, Păcuiul lui Soare , and Valu lui Traian , in a trial to get some insights about the life and customs of the people from the Lower Danube region during the Byzantine period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]