The Submerged Site of La Marmotta (Rome, Italy): Decrypting a Neolithic Society

The shift from a hunting and gathering economy to a productive economy,based on the domestication of plants and animals,is one of the most important changes in human history. The archaeological excavations conducted at the settlement of La Marmotta (Anguillara Sabazia,Rome,Italy) represent one of the most relevant Neolithic villages of the entire Mediterranean. The exceptional nature of this site is given by the conservation of the organic remains, which have an enormous potential for changing and deepening our understanding of the first farming, their technological complexity, their know-hows, their lifestyle and food habits. This book aims to make visible the extreme richness of the La Marmotta archaeological record and provide insights into Neolithic woodworking, basketry, textile production and other crafting and subsistence activities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Oxbow Books

The transition from a hunting and gathering economy to a productive economy, based on the domestication of plants and animals, is one of the most significant changes in human history. This change, which manifested itself in different forms and at different times in different parts of the Old and New Worlds, is still a subject of debate and discussion today. How and why does such a profound change occur in the relationship with the environment and the land? Could the arrival of foreign settlers with a mature and structured Neolithic cultural heritage be the cause of this change in the Mediterranean?

The archaeological excavations conducted at the settlement of La Marmotta (Anguillara Sabazia, Rome, Italy), today submerged under the waters of Lake Bracciano, represent one of the most relevant Neolithic villages of the entire Mediterranean. The exceptional nature of this site is given by the conservation of the organic remains. Not only are the piles and architectural remains of the houses well preserved at La Marmotta, but so are small finds and fragile artifacts such as spoons, textile crafts, baskets, ropes, sickles, and bows. In addition, there are a huge variety of remains of both animal and vegetal nature, such as seeds, spikelets, bundles of wheat and other plants, possible cheese and milk derivatives, and other mixtures of foodstuff. This set of materials has an enormous potential for changing and deepening our understanding of the first farming societies, of their technological complexity, their know-hows, their lifestyle, and their food habits. Thanks to La Marmotta, it is truly possible to rewrite the evolution of techniques for processing plants and wood during prehistoric times. Until now, published information on the site is very limited and partial.

The main aim of this book is to present a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the archaeological site of La Marmotta, its history, and its significance. The book will begin with an introduction to the site and its location, followed by a detailed description of the archaeological excavations conducted there. The author will then discuss the findings of the excavations, including the types of artifacts discovered, their dating, and their significance.

The book will also explore the technological and economic complexity of the first farming societies. societies. The author will discuss the development of tools and techniques for processing plants and wood, as well as the social and political organization of the first farming societies. The book will also discuss the impact of the transition from a hunting and gathering economy to a productive economy on the environment and the land. The author will discuss the changes in vegetation cover, soil fertility, and water resources, as well as the impact of these changes on the human population.

The book will also explore the cultural and social changes that occurred during the transition from a hunting and gathering economy to a productive economy. The author will discuss the development of new social structures, such as families, communities, and societies. The author will also discuss the development of new religious and ideological beliefs, such as the belief in the supernatural and the worship of gods and goddesses.

Finally, the book will discuss the legacy of the Neolithic revolution. The author will discuss the impact of the Neolithic revolution on the development of modern societies, including the development of agriculture, urbanization, and the rise. The author will also discuss the challenges and opportunities that the Neolithic revolution presents for the future.

In conclusion, the transition from a hunting and gathering economy to a productive economy, based on the domestication of plants and animals, is one of the most significant changes in human history. The archaeological excavations conducted at the settlement of La Marmotta (Anguillara Sabazia, Rome, Italy), today submerged under the waters of Lake Bracciano, represent one of the most relevant Neolithic villages of the entire Mediterranean. The exceptional nature of this site is given by the conservation of the organic remains. Not only are the piles and architectural remains of the houses well preserved at La Marmotta, but so are small finds and fragile artifacts such as spoons, textile crafts, baskets, ropes, sickles, and bows. In addition, there are a huge variety of remains of both animal and vegetal nature, such as seeds, spikelets, bundles of wheat and other plants, possible cheese and milk derivatives, and other mixtures of foodstuff. This set of materials has an enormous potential for changing and deepening our understanding of the first farming societies.

Dimension: 280 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789258714