Contacts and Trades in the Iron Age: The Fauna of Stufles, Italy

Abstract

Recent archaeozoological studies of some buildings dating from the 6th to 1st century BC in the village of Stufles in Bressanone (South Tyrol, Italy) have uncovered crucial remains that underscore the significance of Stufles in relations and trade with the Venetian and Etruscan areas. Uncommon species in the Alpine area, such as the donkey, the mule, and a shell of Mediterranean origin, reflect the exchange of goods between the Alpine and, presumably, the Adriatic region. The osteometric data of some bones (e.g., horse), differing from the set of species measurements, may suggest imports of breeds or crosses. The presence of species, such as chicken and horse, at a time (6th century BC) when they were still rare in the Alpine area, once again indicates contacts with other populations.

These findings complement the numerous archaeological remains that have surfaced in the village in recent decades. Traces of roads dating back to the Iron Age have been discovered within the village. Additionally, the discovery a few years ago of the remains of wine storage barrels and wheels (Bressanone-Rosslauf) laid the groundwork for hypothesizing trade and commerce with the Etruscan world, which exported wine.