Abstract EN:

The Bronze Age is characterised by significant changes in human groups organisation and activities. In Italy, archaeological evidences show that new agricultural practices, livestock farming and new economic activities were introduced. All these aspects evolved differently, depending on geographical areas, local environment and social factors. The study of subsistence strategies and socio-economic behaviours through the analysis of dietary patterns in Italy during the Bronze Age is presented. Main scopes are to delineate Italian society’s food choices and to analyse the introduction of new resources. Stable isotopes analyses contained in collagen of human and animal bone has been performed. A diachronic and geographic approach is presented. The analysis focuses on ten Italian sites dating from ca. 2300 to 930 BC, presenting both diachronic and geographic comparison. The geographic analysis shows a more varied diet in the North and Central Italy, compared to the Southern areas. Concerning the diachronic analysis, data highlight the homogeneity of the resources consumed during the Early Bronze Age. For both Middle and Late Bronze Ages, the introduction of new plants in the diet is evident. Thus, Middle Bronze Age represents a pivotal moment in protohistoric societies, as a phase of rupture and transition. The consumption of different food resources and new cereals diffusion processes contribute to highlight the importance of contacts and cultural exchanges. These relationships had a significant influence on Italian communities during the Bronze Age, including food habits, although the environment and the climatic oscillations of this period cannot be neglected.