Italy - Campo delle Piane

The object of this research program concerns the study of hunthers-collectors open-air settlements at the end of Palaeolithic period in the Abruzzes (central Italy). Recent investigations have permitted the re-discovery of an epigravettian open-air site, Campo delle Piane, already known since the beginning of the fifties, and located on the adriatic versant of the Apennines (Prov. of Pescara). Hypotesis may be advanced on the organisation of this site and the type of activities realised on this spot. Campo delle piane seems to be short-term occupations. In this place, Epigravettians realised a range of technic activities (knapping, fabrication and maintenance of composite weapons), and domestic activities (use of fire, treatment of animal material, probably food preparation). But excavations must be enlarged to confirm the interpretation of this site which is actually the only open-air epigravettian settlement in this area.

More recently, the research was enlarged to the whole valley of Gallero where Campo delle Piane site is located. Survey has already permitted the discovery of epigravettian artefacts on the both sides of the river and, moreover, the paleoenvironnemental studies have precised the extension of the tardiglacial deposits. An evolution model of the valley since the last glacial period is proposed.