The paper aims to present the scientific outcomes resulting from five years of archaeological research (excavations and field surveys) in the Plain of Rieti and around the Lake of Piediluco carried out by the Department of Scienze dell’Antichita of the Sapienza Università di Roma (Conca Velina Project 2011-2016). The area forms the major Italian drainage basin, as well as the richest area in central Italy in terms of prehistoric lakeshore settlements.
On the backdrop of a semi-lacustrine landscape resembling the current one, as early as the late 3rd millennium BC a dense network of more than forty small-sized (1-4 ha) sites c. 1-2 km apart began to develop. These settlements were located near small bodies of water and show a remarkable continuity over centuries, while their economy was mostly based on agriculture, given the availability of ample arable land. Over the 9th century BC the system experienced increasing difficulties due to natural processes (climate changes resulting in higher water levels and flooding) and the villages were gradually abandoned.
Through intense surveys, and taking into account the local geopedology and land use, it was possible to identify new settlements, specifying their location and extent to a greater detail (by means of drones, centimetric GPS and total station). On the ground of intrasite spatial analysis (distribution and density of artefacts) their internal organization was accurately recorded. Excavation has then allowed us to recognize different settlement types and establish a chronology. Particular attention has been paid to the development of local metallurgical production – including long-range contacts (Nuragic-Cypriot keimelia in the hoards of Piediluco) – and to exotic items (amber beads, fayence and ivory), with respect to high-rank individuals. These latter may have been able to control metallurgical production, and to request and obtain valuable artefacts, due to their participation in an extensive Mediterranean and northern European trade network.

Location

Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford