The goal of our research in the Tiber Valley is to enhance our understanding of the population during prehistoric times. With this regard, the opportunity came to light with the discovery of a Bronze Age settlement, located near the Afra river. The settlement called Gorgo del Ciliegio dates around the mid-fifteenth century BC and is attributable to the cultural period called “Appenninica” -- a historical period characterized by decorated pottery with geometric patterns (spirals and meanders).. Since Gorgo del Ciliegio has been discovered, a total of nine excavation seasons have been carried out each year from 2001 to 2011. During these years, remains of settlements structures (such as hut funds, fireplaces, ovens for food, or specific places for food preservation) have been unearthed. Also,  a large quantity of hunted or farmed animals bones, fragments of pottery in different shapes, sizes and designs have surfaced. This research works involved studies of archaeology, geomorphology, stratigraphy, palynology, and archaeozoology.

Articles (PDF) available for students (free download):

Some considerations about the evolution of the animal exploitation in Central Italy from the Bronze Age to the Classical period

Economy and environment of Bronze Age settlements –Terramaras– on the Po Plain (Northern Italy): first results from the archaeobotanical research at the Terramara di Montale

European societies in the bronze age

Human impact at Lago di Mezzano (central Italy) during the Bronze Age: a multidisciplinary approach

The Development of Social Stratification in Bronze Age Europe