Radiolarian dating of cherts from the Artofago Cave: Insights into prehistoric lithic tool production and resource exploitation in Southern Tuscany, Italy

Abstract

New perspectives in the archaeometric investigation of the chert used in lithic tool assemblages allow us to learn more about the socio−economic behavior of prehistoric human groups. The case study presented here is from the Artofago Cave in South Tuscany, Italy. Among other findings, an Upper Paleolithic lithic complex was excavated from a large fireplace near the entrance.

The purpose of this study is to gather data aimed at determining the raw material used in the production of these lithic tools, thereby enhancing research into its geographic source area. Here we highlight the significance of the geological age of the rock as one of key factors enabling us to formulate hypotheses about its geological provenance. It showcases a successful application of radiolarian biostratigraphy in dating cherts from the archaeological record. Specifically, 67 chert samples from the Upper Paleolithic lithic complex of the Artofago cave were treated with HF to isolate the radiolarian assemblages. The samples had been carefully chosen in advance between broken chert pieces (chert debris) in the waste material given that the analysis is partially destructive.

Chert samples can be assigned to a Middle − Late Jurassic age, more specifically middle Callovian−early Oxfordian to late Kimmeridgian−early Tithonian (UAZ 8-11).

These ages are comparable with those of the Diaspri di Monte Alpe Formation of the Ligurian Vara Unit, the uppermost tectonic unit of the Northern Apennines.