Andrea Vianello

Contextualizing the Role of Obsidian in Chalcolithic Sicily (c. 3500 – 2500 BC)

ABSTRACT Through the analysis of 106 obsidian artifacts from eight Chalcolithic sites throughout the island of Sicily (c. 3500–2500 bc) this paper discusses the interplay between the procurement of obsidian raw materials and their consequent reduction, in turn highlighting long-term trends in lithic exploitation from the Neolithic through Chalcolithic eras. By combining obsidian sourcing with techno-typological analysis, this paper takes an initial step toward a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of obsidian exploitation in Chalcolithic Sicily and a more thorough comprehension of how obsidian was distributed from the islands of Lipari and Pantelleria. We in turn argue that when lithic data are analyzed within a chaîne opératoire approach combining analyses from multiple stages of artifact life histories, this information represents a powerful means of engaging with major social science questions, where a particular regional data set can be used to contribute to debates of broader archaeological significance.

Stable isotope analysis of the dietary habits of a Greek community in Archaic Syracuse (Sicily): a pilot study

ABSTRACT The study and reconstruction of ancient dietary habits has become a very significant topic in archaeological research. Most chemical analysis studies for diet at Greek sites are limited to prehistory, with very few examples of studies for the Classical period. This paper represents a pilot study of stable isotope analysis carried out on a group of 15 individuals selected among the population interred in the Archaic necropolis of Scala Greca at Syracuse (Sicily), a cemetery discovered in 2010-2011. Based on the funerary assemblages and certain features such as shape, dimensions, coverage system and architectural features, a preliminary distinction has been made based on apparent wealth on a diagnostic sample of 15 tombs to test possible variations in diet. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses were conducted on bone collagen, which represents dietary protein, and bone apatite, which represents the whole diet. The highly negative collagen carbon isotope values indicate little if any seafood in the diet, and this is supported by the nitrogen isotope modest values, which are consistent with terrestrial foods and do not suggest higher trophic level fish.

Erratum to: Monte Finocchito and Heloros Pottery Production: New Evidence through Technological Studies and Material Analysis

Abstract This paper discusses the use of non-destructive portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to distinguish sources of variation in 8th Century BC Greek and Sicilian ceramics. The project comprises an element of my PhD study through La Trobe University, concerning Hellenic colonies established from the eighth century BC in the south of Italy, and on Sicily in particular. This specific case study looks at the relationships established between the indigenous site of Monte Finocchito and the Greek settlement of Heloros, both located in south-eastern Sicily. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the pXRF technique for detecting material variations which are not readily apparent using traditional visual analysis during fieldwork.

Investigating Technological Changes in Copper-Based Metals Using Portable XRF Analysis. A Case Study in Sicily

Abstract The introduction of copper-based metals in Sicily appears to have been a particularly late and slow process. A program of pXRF analyses on early metals in Sicily has revealed the use of mostly copper, and a very late introduction of tin. Copper had been in use and extracted in northern Italy since the Late Neolithic (ca. 3500 BC), and spread across the Italian peninsula after that. Yet, copper became widespread in Sicily only in the Bronze Age (ca. 2200-1050 BC), despite some early arrivals. The story of the introduction of copper-based metals in Italy acquires a new layer of complexity and the southwestern corner is providing a fuller perspective of the transmission of metal technology across Italy. This study of about 100 artifacts from Sicily tests the hypothesis that metallurgy and metals became important at a later time compared to other Mediterranean areas.

PXRF Determination of the Obsidian Industry from the S–F Area of Piani della Corona EBA Settlement (Bagnara Calabra–RC, South Italy)

Abstract Archaeological excavations in the S-F area of Piani della Corona settlement have affected a portion of 2200 m2 of a large plateau (490 m asl). The researches, conducted between 2007 and 2008 by the Superintendence of the Museo Preistorico Etnografico “L. Pigorini” with the Archaeological Superintendence of Calabria, have revealed traces of a large village from the EBA. Before settling in the EBA, human groups belonging Recent Neolithic frequented the plateau. Two burials located near the Bronze Age ditch belong to this period, and there are also sporadic ceramic fragments recovered from the huts. The importance of Piani della Corona is mainly due to its strategic location, serving as a bridge between Calabria, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, as proven by the archaeological record. A very important role was provided by the obsidian industry, dated after the most distinctive archaeological ceramics class, to the EBA. Out of the 238 obsidian tools found in the S-F area (blades, cores and amorphous splinters), 88 artifacts were analyzed by pXRF. Their chemical determination made it possible to clarify the procurement dynamics and exchange routes with the Aeolian Islands for the EBA, integrating new data in an on-going research.