Studi in onore di Andrea Cardarelli, L. Cicala, M. Pacciarelli (eds.). Archeologie. Temi, contesti, materiali 6, Naus editoria, Napoli 2024, 2024
The phenomenon of metal fragmentation is typical of European hoards of the Middle and Late Bronze... more The phenomenon of metal fragmentation is typical of European hoards of the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (1650/1550- 900/800 BCE). Quantitative and metrological analyses of bronze fragments from Italian and Central European hoards have demonstrated that the weight of bronze fragments is intentionally regulated. Statistical analyses show the existence of a consistent system of multiples aligned with contemporary weight systems, suggesting the use of fragments as weighted money. In this article, we analyzed a sample of 31 hoards and approximately 1400 Late Bronze Age objects (1350/1300- 900/800 BCE) from a previously unexplored area: Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Quantitative analyses reveal that fragmentation is a systematic phenomenon throughout the Late Bronze Age, with percentages comparable to other European regions, while metrological analyses confirm the consistency of fragments with the same system of multiples identified in Italy and Central Europe.
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Papers by Giancarlo Lago
chronological and functional point of view. In this work, the Hoards are analysed with different approaches, starting from the renewed chrono-typological analysis of the so called ‘tesoretto’, the Hoard composed of bronze, amber, glass, ivory, Ostrich eggshell and stone objects (mainly ornaments) published in 1971.
As regards the so called ‘Founder’s hoards’ (nos. 1-4) formed of ingots and different kinds of object fragments (instruments, weapons, ornaments), the metrological and weigh system aspects are investigated. After weighing each component (included the minimal fragments hitherto unpublished) we compared them with other similar Italian and European ensembles.
Finally, we propose some considerations about the function and the meaning of the Hoards on the base of the review of the materials, the rare and scarce notes on the discovery (unfortunately not in stratigraphic context) and in the light of the research carried out on this site since 2014, aimed at the structural and infrastructural features of the settlement.
On this base, and considering the comparison with hoards coming from both inside and outside the settlements, the paper addresses the issue of whether to attribute to these items a profane or ritual function, and underlines how the boundaries between the two are often blurred, as demonstrated by the analogies between the Hoards nos.1-4 of Frattesina and those from some Apennine peaks, most likely of votive nature.
Overall, we confirm what was expressed by Anna Maria Bietti Sestieri and Luciano Salzani on the Hoards 1-4, namely that they must have been connected with metallurgical workshops, and we propose a possible symbolic and/or sacred value for the ‘tesoretto’.
them to a currency system. This paper aims to test this hypothesis by investigating the degree of standardization (if any) through analyzing an important sample of these objects. Metrological analysis of their dimensions (length, width) and weight show that the currency hypothesis is flawed because neither clustering of dimensions nor a tendency towards a single (range of) weight value(s) is found. We suggest that the axe-monies may have been used as ingots, for arsenical copper alloys were a key commodity in the framework of exchange involving different cultures across America’s Pacific coast.
Croce Guardia (Arcevia – AN): Seasons 2015-2016 – The Monte Croce Guardia settlement (Arcevia, AN) is one of the most remarkable Late Bronze Age Italian sites. Being located on the top of a mountain (666 m ASL) it is naturally defended and overlooks a wide portion of the surrounding territory, from the Adriatic coast
to the Apennine ridge. The orographic unit of the site is composed by two hills linked by a col, Monte Guardia, the highest, and Monte della Croce.
The presence of archaeological remains is known since the end of XIX century, but only during the subsequent century systematic researches were conducted. Several excavation campaigns have been carried out by the Soprintendenza Archeologica delle Marche, from 1961 to 1995, under the direction of Delia Lollini and Mara Silvestrini. The results of these researches showed that Monte Croce Guardia site was intensively settled during the Late Bronze Age, and its extension reached at least 20 hectars. The archaeological investigations started again in 2015, after a long period of interruption, under the direction of Andrea Cardarelli (Sapienza – University of Rome), in collaboration with Marco Bettelli and Andrea Di Renzoni (CNR-ISMA). The first results of the new cycle of archaeological investigations, together with the thorough reviews of the previous ones, allow to better understand the complex architecture of inhabitations and other structures, together with the reconstruction of large portions of the settlement organization. In trenches 1 and 2 several rectangular huts with a gable roof have been found, and a large circular pit; the archaeological materials suggest a date in earliest phases of the Final Bronze Age, even if few pots can be dated in late phases of the same period. In trench 4 a sequence of three different huts were excavated: the earliest ones are similar in shape and dimensions to the structures present in trenches 1-2. The last hut is smaller and has a different architecture and orientation. In the archaeological layers belonging to this last structure a number of bronzes both undamaged and fragmentary have been
found, together with one or two stone moulds. These elements suggest the performance of smelting activities.
The presence of several small spools and loom weights, suggest also weaving activities. From a chronological point of view we have very few elements for a date of the lower hut; the second phase hut can be easily dated to early periods of Final Bronze Age; the third and last phase, represented by the smaller structure, on the basis
of bronzes and specific types of pottery can be dated to a final stage of Final Bronze Age.
Talks by Giancarlo Lago
chronological and functional point of view. In this work, the Hoards are analysed with different approaches, starting from the renewed chrono-typological analysis of the so called ‘tesoretto’, the Hoard composed of bronze, amber, glass, ivory, Ostrich eggshell and stone objects (mainly ornaments) published in 1971.
As regards the so called ‘Founder’s hoards’ (nos. 1-4) formed of ingots and different kinds of object fragments (instruments, weapons, ornaments), the metrological and weigh system aspects are investigated. After weighing each component (included the minimal fragments hitherto unpublished) we compared them with other similar Italian and European ensembles.
Finally, we propose some considerations about the function and the meaning of the Hoards on the base of the review of the materials, the rare and scarce notes on the discovery (unfortunately not in stratigraphic context) and in the light of the research carried out on this site since 2014, aimed at the structural and infrastructural features of the settlement.
On this base, and considering the comparison with hoards coming from both inside and outside the settlements, the paper addresses the issue of whether to attribute to these items a profane or ritual function, and underlines how the boundaries between the two are often blurred, as demonstrated by the analogies between the Hoards nos.1-4 of Frattesina and those from some Apennine peaks, most likely of votive nature.
Overall, we confirm what was expressed by Anna Maria Bietti Sestieri and Luciano Salzani on the Hoards 1-4, namely that they must have been connected with metallurgical workshops, and we propose a possible symbolic and/or sacred value for the ‘tesoretto’.
them to a currency system. This paper aims to test this hypothesis by investigating the degree of standardization (if any) through analyzing an important sample of these objects. Metrological analysis of their dimensions (length, width) and weight show that the currency hypothesis is flawed because neither clustering of dimensions nor a tendency towards a single (range of) weight value(s) is found. We suggest that the axe-monies may have been used as ingots, for arsenical copper alloys were a key commodity in the framework of exchange involving different cultures across America’s Pacific coast.
Croce Guardia (Arcevia – AN): Seasons 2015-2016 – The Monte Croce Guardia settlement (Arcevia, AN) is one of the most remarkable Late Bronze Age Italian sites. Being located on the top of a mountain (666 m ASL) it is naturally defended and overlooks a wide portion of the surrounding territory, from the Adriatic coast
to the Apennine ridge. The orographic unit of the site is composed by two hills linked by a col, Monte Guardia, the highest, and Monte della Croce.
The presence of archaeological remains is known since the end of XIX century, but only during the subsequent century systematic researches were conducted. Several excavation campaigns have been carried out by the Soprintendenza Archeologica delle Marche, from 1961 to 1995, under the direction of Delia Lollini and Mara Silvestrini. The results of these researches showed that Monte Croce Guardia site was intensively settled during the Late Bronze Age, and its extension reached at least 20 hectars. The archaeological investigations started again in 2015, after a long period of interruption, under the direction of Andrea Cardarelli (Sapienza – University of Rome), in collaboration with Marco Bettelli and Andrea Di Renzoni (CNR-ISMA). The first results of the new cycle of archaeological investigations, together with the thorough reviews of the previous ones, allow to better understand the complex architecture of inhabitations and other structures, together with the reconstruction of large portions of the settlement organization. In trenches 1 and 2 several rectangular huts with a gable roof have been found, and a large circular pit; the archaeological materials suggest a date in earliest phases of the Final Bronze Age, even if few pots can be dated in late phases of the same period. In trench 4 a sequence of three different huts were excavated: the earliest ones are similar in shape and dimensions to the structures present in trenches 1-2. The last hut is smaller and has a different architecture and orientation. In the archaeological layers belonging to this last structure a number of bronzes both undamaged and fragmentary have been
found, together with one or two stone moulds. These elements suggest the performance of smelting activities.
The presence of several small spools and loom weights, suggest also weaving activities. From a chronological point of view we have very few elements for a date of the lower hut; the second phase hut can be easily dated to early periods of Final Bronze Age; the third and last phase, represented by the smaller structure, on the basis
of bronzes and specific types of pottery can be dated to a final stage of Final Bronze Age.