| Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP001 | Late Paleolithic Tagliente, Italy | 15026 BCE | Verona. Stallavena di Grezzana. Riparo Tagliente, Italy | View |
Chapter IV
Story
The narrative of this ancient life
The Late Paleolithic period in Italy, particularly as represented by the Tagliente site, is an intriguing era that reflects a significant phase in human prehistory. Situated in the broader context of the European Upper Paleolithic, this period encapsulates the technological, environmental, and cultural transitions that defined the last stages of the Paleolithic era before the advent of the Mesolithic.
Geographical Context
Tagliente is an important archaeological site located in Valpantena, near Verona in northern Italy. This site lies in the Lessini Mountains, a region characterized by its varied landscape of valleys, plateaus, and hills. The geographical setting provided a rich environment for human habitation, with access to diverse resources such as flint for tool-making, game animals, and varied plant life.
Chronology
The Late Paleolithic in Italy spans from approximately 14,000 to 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the Last Glacial Maximum and the onset of the Holocene. This period involves the gradual warming of the climate and the resulting environmental changes that significantly influenced human lifestyles and adaptations.
Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations at the Tagliente site have uncovered a wealth of artifacts that shed light on the lifestyle of Late Paleolithic peoples. Some key findings include:
Lithic Tools: The Tagliente site is renowned for its extensive collection of stone tools, particularly microliths—small, finely crafted flint implements used as part of composite tools. The presence of backed bladelets, end scrapers, and borers suggests advanced tool-making techniques and a diversified tool kit adapted for hunting, processing animal hides, and woodworking.
Bone and Antler Tools: The inhabitants of Tagliente also manufactured tools from bone and antler, including points, awls, and harpoons, indicating sophisticated craftsmanship and adaptation to diverse subsistence strategies.
Organic Remains: Although preservation is less common, some organic remains provide insights into the diet and environment. Evidence of charred seeds and faunal remains paints a picture of a mixed subsistence economy relying on hunting, gathering, and possibly fishing.
Subsistence and Economy
The Late Paleolithic peoples of Tagliente were primarily hunter-gatherers. Their economy largely depended on the exploitation of mega and microfauna, such as reindeer, ibex, and smaller mammals that were abundant in the region during the late glacial period. The presence of fishing implements suggests that aquatic resources were also part of their diet. The varied tool assemblage speaks to a broad-spectrum foraging strategy, which included plant processing and potentially early signs of domestication or cultivation.
Cultural and Social Aspects
Despite the ostensibly harsh conditions of Late Paleolithic Europe, the Tagliente inhabitants exhibited remarkable adaptability and social complexity. Artifacts resembling personal ornaments, such as beads and pendants, indicate a cultural affinity for symbolic expression and social communication. There might have been well-established trade networks, as suggested by the movement of specific flint types and exotic materials over considerable distances.
The spatial organization of living areas at Tagliente suggests a structured use of space, indicative of complex social arrangements and community structures. The evidence of hearths and refuse areas points to an organized approach to daily living and resource use.
Art and Symbolism
The Late Paleolithic is also notable for its artistic endeavors, and although direct evidence of parietal art at Tagliente may be limited, the discovery of symbolic items suggests an appreciation for art and possibly ritual practices. Such cultural expressions would have served as important means of group identity formation and cohesion during a time of climatic and environmental upheaval.
Environmental Adaptations
The gradual warming of the climate during this period led to significant environmental changes. Retreating glaciers and the development of more temperate climates opened new landscapes to human exploitation. The people of Tagliente adapted to these changing conditions with flexible resource use and technological innovation, showcasing the dynamic nature of human resilience.
Conclusion
The Late Paleolithic Tagliente culture is a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of human populations in prehistoric Europe. The effective use of lithic technology, sophisticated subsistence practices, and emerging social structures highlight a pivotal moment in human history as communities navigated the transition from Paleolithic to Mesolithic lifeways. The archaeological findings from Tagliente continue to provide vital insights into the complexities of human existence during this transformative era.