CAVA MURACCI: A NEW MIDDLE-UPPER PALAEOLITHIC SITE IN WEST-CENTRAL ITALY

Abstract

Comprehensive studies of Palaeolithic sites and the application of modern analytical techniques are still incredibly rare in coastal central Italy. In this paper, we present the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic cave deposits excavated in the travertine quarry of Cava Muracci (Cisterna di Latina, central Italy) and summary describe the multidisciplinary approach carried out on findings discovered therein. A large faunal assemblage, fossil faeces (coprolites) and a small lithic collection have been examined along with reliable dating analyses for the interpretation of the context. The site proved to be extensively frequented by cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea) between 34–44 ka BP, with a marginal human presence also attested. This study demonstrates that a holistic approach is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the archaeological context of the area, previously interpreted using studies of fauna or lithic industries alone. The evidence gathered from Cava Muracci and the results from their study provide a valuable reference database from which to draw upon for future investigations.