- University of Bergen, Museum of Natural History, Post-DocThe University of Sheffield, Archaeology, Alumnus"Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Archaeology, Post-Docadd
- Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Archaeozoology, Anthropology, Animal domestication, and 16 moreHistory, Bioarchaeology, Paleoanthropology, Paleopathology, Human-Animal Relations, Human Osteology, Human-Environment Relations, Landscape Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Archeozoology, Ancient DNA, Cultural Studies, Roman Religion, Post-Medieval Archaeology, and Bone and Antleredit
- I completed my Bachelor’s (2007-2010) and Master’s (2010-2013) degrees in Archaeology at the University of Siena (Tus... moreI completed my Bachelor’s (2007-2010) and Master’s (2010-2013) degrees in Archaeology at the University of Siena (Tuscany, Italy), specialising in the medieval period; I had both my degrees awarded with the highest mark (110 cum laude).
During my years at the University of Siena, I became interested in the analysis of animal remains. Fascinated by this subject, I started studying it on my own. In February 2012, in order to broaden my knowledge in zooarchaeology, I spent the spring semester at the University of Sheffield as a visiting student. My experience in this dynamic international environment further increased my interest in the subject; for this reason, I decided to go back to Sheffield to attend the MSc Osteoarchaeology course.
In 2014, I was awarded a PhD Scholarship funded by the White Rose Consortium (Universities of Leeds, York and Sheffield). My PhD project focussed on the study of animal exploitation during the two transitions between Byzantine and Arab, and Arab and Norman/Swabian times in Sicily (7th-12th/13th centuries AD). As part of my PhD programme, I obtained a White Rose Consortium REP (Research Employability Project) grant, which allowed me to undertake a traineeship on stable isotope analyses at the Free University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands).
More recently, I have been involved, as a postdoctoral researcher in zooarchaeology, in two European Research Council projects which focussed on the study of socio-economic and cultural changes in medieval Europe, with a special focus on Italy: the ERC Project ‘nEU-Med’, Origins of a new economic union (7th-12th centuries): resources, landscapes and political strategies in a Mediterranean region (Scientific directors: Richard Hodges - Director of the American University of Rome and Giovanna Bianchi - Professor in Medieval Archaeology at the University of Siena), and the ERC Project ‘SICTRANSIT’, Exploring the archaeology of regime change ( Scientific directors: Martin Carver - Emeritus Professor in Medieval Archaeology at the University of York and Alessandra Molinari - Professor in Medieval Archaeology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata).
My research interests:
• zooarchaeological analysis and interpretation of faunal remains (mammal, bird and fish remains) recovered from archaeological excavations (particular experience in the analysis of faunal samples from medieval sites).
• analysis of changes in animal exploitation in medieval Europe (chronological, geographical and site-type differences).
• changes in animal morphometry (size and shape) in medieval Europe (chronological, geographical and site-type differences).
• taxonomic distinction of wild animals (i.e. fallow deer and red deer) through the application of biometrical analyses.
• integration of zooarchaeological data with additional archaeological finds (e.g. archaeobotanical remains, pottery, metal, glass, etc.) and historical sources.
• use of stable isotope analyses in zooarchaeological research
• teaching and demonstrating zooarchaeology (lectures, short courses, outreach events, etc.).
• organising animal reference collections; processing animal carcasses
• organising international zooarchaeology-related conferences and sessions
• ethnozooarchaeologyedit
Research Interests:
This poster presents a zooarchaeological analysis of the animal remains from the archaeological site of Spolverino (southern Tuscany, Italy). Archaeological excavations have uncovered a complex stratigraphy dated from the Roman Imperial... more
This poster presents a zooarchaeological analysis of the animal remains from the archaeological site of Spolverino (southern Tuscany, Italy). Archaeological excavations have uncovered a complex stratigraphy dated from the Roman Imperial period to the Late Antiquity (late 1st- early 6th centuries AD). The industrial function of the site in Imperial times is partially reflected in the nature of the faunal assemblage. In Late Antiquity, Spolverino lost its original function; our evidence, however, suggests that some livestock was still kept, probably managed by a restricted group of people still living in that area.
Research Interests:
Sheep, and to a lesser extent goat, pastoralism was a central component of the economy of medieval Sicily. Unlike the Byzantine period (6 th-early 9 th c. AD), when sheep/goat were mainly raised for their wool, husbandry strategies were... more
Sheep, and to a lesser extent goat, pastoralism was a central component of the economy of medieval Sicily. Unlike the Byzantine period (6 th-early 9 th c. AD), when sheep/goat were mainly raised for their wool, husbandry strategies were much more generalised during the Arab occupation (9 th-11 th c. AD). In this latter period, caprines were equally exploited for meat, dairy products and wool. Biometrical analyses indicate an increase in sheep size in the Arab period, which is probably a consequence of an interest in maximising outputs. This phenomenon can be interpreted as a component of the broader changes associated with the so-called Arab Agricultural Revolution. In the Norman/Aragonese period (11 th-late 13 th c. AD), a further improvement in sheep size indicates a continuity of the animal husbandry strategies initiated by the Arabs. In this period, sheep/goat culling profiles suggest the existence of a more specialised economy focused on meat and, to a lesser extent, wool production.
Research Interests:
Overexploitation has directly, negatively affected marine fish populations in the past half-century, modifying not only their abundance but their behaviour and life-history traits. The recovery and resilience of such populations is... more
Overexploitation has directly, negatively affected marine fish populations in the past half-century, modifying not only their abundance but their behaviour and life-history traits. The recovery and resilience of such populations is dependent upon their exploitation history, which often extends back millennia. Hence, data on when exploitation intensified and how populations were composed in historical periods, have the potential to reveal long-term population dynamics and provide context on the baselines currently used in fisheries management and conservation. Here, we setup a framework for investigations on the exploitation history of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean by collating records of their zooarchaeological remains and critically reviewing these alongside the literature. Then, we outline how novel multidisciplinary applications on BFT remains may be used to document long-term population dynamics. Our review of literature p...
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Zooarchaeological analyses of the faunal assemblage from Vetricella have revealed the central role played by domesticates, and especially pigs, in the diet of people living at the site (second half 10th- mid 11th centuries AD). By... more
Zooarchaeological analyses of the faunal assemblage from Vetricella have revealed the central role played by domesticates, and especially pigs, in the diet of people living at the site (second half 10th- mid 11th centuries AD). By contrast, wild game was rarely hunted and consumed. The high incidence of adult suids in both periods might suggest a free-range type of pig husbandry (pannage), which might have taken place in the Turkey oak woodlands in the vicinities of the site during specific times of the year (autumn-winter).
Numerous butchery marks were recorded on post- cranial bones of suids; their location suggests that both primary and secondary butchery occurred on-site. The scapula is the most processed bone. The high incidence of this element and the high number of butchery marks recorded on it could suggest the consumption (and a production and trade?) of selected parts of pig carcasses as cured products.
Numerous butchery marks were recorded on post- cranial bones of suids; their location suggests that both primary and secondary butchery occurred on-site. The scapula is the most processed bone. The high incidence of this element and the high number of butchery marks recorded on it could suggest the consumption (and a production and trade?) of selected parts of pig carcasses as cured products.
Research Interests:
The Understanding Zooarchaeology I short course uses short lectures, discussions, case-studies and practical classes to provide an insight into the theory and methods that can be used to understand animal remains in archaeology. The... more
The Understanding Zooarchaeology I short course uses short lectures, discussions, case-studies and practical classes to provide an insight into the theory and methods that can be used to understand animal remains in archaeology. The course is directed to students, professionals and enthusiasts and does not require any previous knowledge. The teaching will be delivered through short lectures and hands-on practical activities.
Research Interests:
Il testo che segue riguarda la nostra ricerca archeologica sulla Sicilia bizantina, islamica e normanno-sveva e in particolare riporta le ultime scoperte a Castronovo di Sicilia, che includono il riconoscimento di una chiesa del XII-XIII... more
Il testo che segue riguarda la nostra ricerca archeologica sulla Sicilia bizantina, islamica e normanno-sveva e in particolare riporta le ultime scoperte a Castronovo di Sicilia, che includono il riconoscimento di una chiesa del XII-XIII secolo sul Monte Kassar, la continuazione dello scavo a Casale San Pietro e una sintesi delle nuove ricognizioni nelle sue vicinanze. Quest’ultimo sito rimane il focus principale del Progetto ERC sictransit, ma in questa sede diamo anche conto dei primi risultati di un’indagine piu ampia, che include una grossa quantita di reperti che provengono da tutta la Sicilia da siti scavati in precedenza (Fig 1). Questi reperti consistino in ceramiche, metalli e vetri assieme a resti umani, animali e vegetali, che vengono analizzati nei laboratori delle universita partner del progetto: York, Roma e Lecce. I principali metodi scientifici applicati sono: analisi tipologiche, petrografiche e del contenuto organico delle ceramiche da cucina e da trasporto; degli ...
Research Interests:
This paper presents a zooarchaeological analysis from the site of Spolverino (southern Tuscany, Italy). Archaeological excavations have uncovered a complex stratigraphy dated from the Roman Imperial period to Late Antiquity (late 1st-... more
This paper presents a zooarchaeological analysis from the site of Spolverino (southern Tuscany, Italy). Archaeological excavations have uncovered a complex stratigraphy dated from the Roman Imperial period to Late Antiquity (late 1st- early 6th centuries AD). The industrial function of the site in Imperial times is partially reflected in the nature of the faunal assemblage. In Late Antiquity, Spolverino lost its original manufacturing functions, as many of the workshops were abandoned; our evidence, however, suggests that some livestock was kept, probably managed by a restricted group of people still living in that area. Some hunting was practiced throughout the occupation but it increased in the later periods. Remarkable, in Late Antiquity, is the occurrence of the fallow deer, an introduced species, rare in Roman contexts.
Research Interests:
Sicily, during the 9th-12th century AD, thrived politically, economically, and culturally under Islamic political rule and the capital of Palermo stood as a cultural and political centre in the Mediterranean Islamic world. However, to... more
Sicily, during the 9th-12th century AD, thrived politically, economically, and culturally under Islamic political rule and the capital of Palermo stood as a cultural and political centre in the Mediterranean Islamic world. However, to what extent the lifeways of the people that experienced these regimes were impacted during this time is not well understood, particularly those from lesser studied rural contexts. This paper presents the first organic residue analysis of 134 cooking pots and other domestic containers dating to the 9th -12th century in order to gain new insights into the culinary practices during this significant period. Ceramics from three sites in the urban capital of Palermo and from the rural town of Casale San Pietro were analysed and compared. The multi-faceted organic residue analysis identified a range of commodities including animal products, vegetables, beeswax, pine and fruit products in the ceramics, with a complex mixing of resources observed in many cases,...
Research Interests:
In this project, a number of faunal samples recovered from different site-types and dated to the medieval period in Sicily are analysed and compared. Zooarchaeological results reveal significant changes in the use of the main domesticates... more
In this project, a number of faunal samples recovered from different site-types and dated to the medieval period in Sicily are analysed and compared. Zooarchaeological results reveal significant changes in the use of the main domesticates in the Byzantine-Arab and in the Arab-Norman/Swabian transitional periods. In the Arab period, the socio-cultural effects of the Islamisation of the island are attested by an overall dearth of pigs at most urban sites. By contrast, similarly to the Byzantine period, pigs continue to be represented at contemporary rural settlements, thus suggesting a higher resilience of rural communities toward the newly imposed socio-cultural and religious rules. Sheep become larger in Arab times; such phenomenon was likely driven by an interest to maximise outputs from caprine husbandry, and can be seen as part of the ‘Arab Green Revolution’. During the Norman/Swabian rule, changes in dietary practices with the previous period are noticed. Although caprines maint...
Research Interests:
La citta di Castronovo di Sicilia (PA) e i suoi dintorni sono attualmente oggetto di ricerche archeologiche condotte dalle universita di York, Roma e Lecce in collaborazione con la Soprintendenza per i Beni culturali e ambientali di... more
La citta di Castronovo di Sicilia (PA) e i suoi dintorni sono attualmente oggetto di ricerche archeologiche condotte dalle universita di York, Roma e Lecce in collaborazione con la Soprintendenza per i Beni culturali e ambientali di Palermo e con il sostegno del Comune di Castronovo. Quattro diversi insediamenti sono stati indagati per mezzo di prospezioni e scavi. Sul Monte Kassar, interpretabile, allo stato attuale delle ricerche, come una fortezza bizantina dell’ VIII–IX secolo, nel 2015 sono state individuate strutture con funzione abitativa all’interno e in appoggio alle fortificazioni, mentre nel 2016 sono stati scavati i resti di una “casaforte” (la cosiddetta “casermetta"). Sul Colle San Vitale, i ruderi delle strutture medievali ancora in piedi sono stati oggetto di una prospezione di alta precisione, come anche la citta vecchia di Castronovo, dove anche sono stati individuate e cartografate le acque sotterranee e un sistema di irrigazione. Infine, a Casale San Pietro,...
Il testo che segue riguarda la nostra ricerca archeologica sulla Sicilia bizantina, islamica e normanno-sveva e in particolare riporta le ultime scoperte a Castronovo di Sicilia, che includono il riconoscimento di una chiesa del XII-XIII... more
Il testo che segue riguarda la nostra ricerca archeologica sulla Sicilia bizantina, islamica e normanno-sveva e in particolare riporta le ultime scoperte a Castronovo di Sicilia, che includono il riconoscimento di una chiesa del XII-XIII secolo sul Monte Kassar, la continuazione dello scavo a Casale San Pietro e una sintesi delle nuove ricognizioni nelle sue vicinanze. Quest'ultimo sito rimane il focus principale del Progetto ERC sictransit, ma in questa sede diamo anche conto dei primi ri-sultati di un'indagine più ampia, che include una grossa quantità di reperti che provengono da tutta la Sicilia da siti scavati in precedenza (Fig 1). Questi reperti consistino in ceramiche, metalli e vetri assieme a resti umani, animali e vegetali, che vengono analizzati nei laboratori delle università partner del progetto: York, Roma e Lecce. I principali metodi scientifici ap-plicati sono: analisi tipologiche, petrografiche e del contenuto organico delle ceramiche da cucina e da traspor...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Food consists of nutrients supporting body growth and providing energy for metabolism. However, apart from its nutritional value, humans use food as a visible expression of the social and cultural background to which they belong. From... more
Food consists of nutrients supporting body growth and providing energy for metabolism. However, apart from its nutritional value, humans use food as a visible expression of the social and cultural background to which they belong. From this assumption derives the well-known and widespread saying “you are what you eat”. Hence, food is not only a matter of calories, but it also represents a powerful symbol of human identity. The intake of food implies the expression of specific cultural behaviours, as specific products will bear a symbolic value. Food represents “embodied material culture” (Dietler 2006): as people habitually eats a specific type of food, this becomes part of their cultural roots. On this basis, and assuming that choices are available, it follows that humans symbolically consume and create identity through what they consume and avoid.
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I resti zooarcheologici sono utilizzati in questo libro come strumento di discussione e approfondimento delle dinamiche socio-economiche caratterizzanti l'età medievale in Italia. Dopo un'introduzione storiografica intenta a ricordare i... more
I resti zooarcheologici sono utilizzati in questo libro come strumento di discussione e approfondimento delle dinamiche socio-economiche caratterizzanti l'età medievale in Italia. Dopo un'introduzione storiografica intenta a ricordare i passi compiuti dalla ricerca archeozoologica dal Settecento fino ai giorni nostri, l'autore presenta numerosi dati faunistici provenienti da siti archeologici italiani. La discussione del dato archeozoologico è molto spesso accompagnata dalla presenza di tabelle e grafici, utili a una comprensione visiva dei risultati. In tal modo l'Autore affronta un ventaglio di argomenti molto vario, offrendo così spunti di riflessione e di dibattito su temi archeologici di ampio genere. Il complesso rapporto che vede come protagonisti da una parte l'uomo e dall'altra l'animale è spiegato attraverso un'oculata divisione in sezioni del libro; dall'allevamento alla caccia, dalla dieta alimentare all'uso degli animali sia nei giochi che nei riti, alle patologie più comuni e, infine, alla rilevanza dei resti ittici nei contesti archeologici.