Large bovids on the Neanderthal menu: Exploitation of Bison priscus and Bos primigenius in northeastern Italy

Abstract

In northern Italy, Fumane Cave (Lessini Mountains -Verona), San Bernardino Cave, and De Nadale Cave (Berici Hills - Vicenza) provide data to interpret the exploitation dynamics of the Pleistocene's large bovids Bos primigenius and Bison priscus between 70 and 42 ky BP. Through the taphonomic study of bone assemblages, we have attempted to reconstruct the strategies, methods, and butchery practices in the exploitation of these game animals adopted by different cultural groups of Middle Palaeolithic hunters. Therefore, Neanderthal hunting behaviour has been examined using different proxies such as the choice of anatomical parts, selective transport of elements, prey selection, and age estimation. Results suggest bovines were an important subsistence resource in some cases, even if they were not the most exploited taxa in others, indicating differences and similarities depending on the context across the Italian peninsula. These results highlight additional aspects of Neanderthal landscape use and hunting strategies.