La tafonomia a sostegno dell’archeologia: studio multidisciplinare, analisi sperimentali e nuove tecnologie

The present doctoral thesis, entitled "Taphonomy in Support of Archaeology: Multidisciplinary Study, Experimental Analysis, and New Technologies," aims to investigate and deepen the complex interactions between the environment, fauna, and humans over time, opening new research perspectives and highlighting the importance of taphonomy as a key tool for archaeology through a detailed study of five significant archaeological and palaeontological sites in Latium (Central Italy): Cava Muracci, Grotta La Sassa, Grotta Mora Cavorso, Grotta Pila, and the Arx of Gabii. This work focuses on the analysis of the taxonomy and taphonomy of about 16,500 faunal remains from the cited sites, exploring deposition dynamics, alteration processes, and relationships between animal species and past human communities. The taxonomy of fossil finds has involved systematic classification of faunal bone remains, while taphonomic analyses have focused on examining post-mortem processes that influenced the preservation and distribution of remains. Taxonomic and taphonomic analyses of Pleistocene deposits from Cava Muracci, Grotta La Sassa, and Grotta Mora Cavorso revealed insights into ancient ecosystems. Notably, predator roles in faunal accumulations emerged, underscoring their significant impact, such as cave hyenas and small carnivores shaping faunal assemblages. Holocene site analyses, including Grotta Pila and the Arx of Gabii, shed light on human subsistence strategies and ritual practices related to animal use. Surface bone observation expanded insights into human practices regarding animal resource management, including butchery signs and seasonal consumption patterns. Particularly at the Arx of Gabii, bone surface analysis provided valuable insights into rituals linked to animal use, enhancing understanding of ancient cultural practices. The adopted methodological approach combines detailed analysis of fossil remains and experimental investigation of modern carnivore feeding traces. The experimental analysis has been conducted on samples of modern carnivore food remains to identify and compare traces on bone surfaces, in order to provide a better understanding of predator-prey dynamics in paleontological and archaeological contexts, and to investigate the diet, behavior, and ecology of the involved organisms, despite limitations in direct comparisons with archaeological findings due to environmental variability. The obtained results contribute to the understanding of ecological change processes and biotic interactions, as well as to the reconstruction of paleoenvironments and food chains in paleontological and archaeological contexts.