Chert sources and territorial behaviour after the Neolithization process: An exploratory analysis from Grotta Battifratta (Rieti, Central Italy)

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating lithic raw material acquisition strategies and human mobility in the Sabina region (Central Italy) during the Neolithic period through the Non-destructive Multiparametric Protocol for Chert Investigation (NM-PCI) applied to the lithic assemblage of Grotta Battifratta (Sabina region, Rieti). Despite its importance as a unique natural bridge in the middle of the Italian peninsula, Sabina has long been archaeologically underestimated. Moreover, although rich in siliceous rock sources, a solid knowledge of chert availability and distribution is lacking. By applying a pilot analysis on raw material provenance, this work aims at shedding light on i.) chert-bearing deposits in the region and ii.) human territorial behaviour. Furthermore, the preliminary characterization data of the Sabina chert is presented here as part of the first project of construction of a geological reference collection, currently lacking for the area. Geological samples and the lithic assemblage of Grotta Battifratta have been characterized by applying petrographical, geochemical (pXRF) and colorimetric analysis (CIELab). Multivariate statistics is employed to explore chert variability and to assess the geographic origin of the raw material exploited at the archaeological site. The preliminary results suggest a strong reliance on local sources together with a short but significant introduction of exogenous raw material, whose origin is still under investigation. This research presents a preliminary analysis of chert in the Sabina region and provides a novel strategy to current research in lithic raw material provenance in the Central Italy.