The site of Ficoncella, in northern Latium (Italy), represents a great opportunity to investigate the modalities of a short occupation in a fluvial context during Lower Palaeolithic. From the results of radiometric dating, geological...
moreThe site of Ficoncella, in northern Latium (Italy), represents a great opportunity to investigate the
modalities of a short occupation in a fluvial context during Lower Palaeolithic. From the results of
radiometric dating, geological study and bio-chronological analyses, it emerged that the human
occupation at the site, an ancient riverbank, occurred 0.5 Ma (MIS 13). This period can be considered as
a key moment in the Lower Palaeolithic, with the first Acheulean, or mode 2 sites in Europe. The lithic
assemblage of Ficoncella, without handaxes, is characterized by an overall small tool size, representing
a very original reduction sequence and tool management. In order to investigate the human behaviour
characterizing the site, we analyse the lithic industries, using a classical technological analysis, combined
with a techno-functional approach and a use-wear analysis. The study of the lithic assemblage of
Ficoncella may contribute to renew our image of the lithic industries without handaxes, too often
ignored.