The field system of Gricignano d'Aversa (Southern Italy) and the agrarian impact in the Piana Campana, ca. 3900 cal BP

Abstract

The Piana Campana (Southern Italy) has recently revealed its potential for the recovery of detailed archaeological and environmental data, during the Late Holocene, due to the thickening of the deposits caused by the activity of the volcanic complexes of Somma-Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei. Settlements, burials, landscape and agrarian infrastructures (tracks, fields, wells, etc.) indicate an intense and continuous human presence since at least late Neolithic times (ca. 6.2 ka cal BP). This study derives from archaeological research supported by the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici della Campania and the Soprintendenza al Museo Nazionale Preistorico Etnografico “L. Pigorini”, Roma (1995–2005).The comprehensive pattern of the protohistoric (Early Bronze Age) agrarian traces found at Gricignano d'Aversa/U.S. Navy support site (Caserta) is presented. An uninterrupted ploughed surface and field system of 60 ha is described, preserved directly below the Pomici di Avellino eruption (ca. 3900 cal BP). For the first time in Italy, such a wide protohistoric field system was reconstructed. The agrarian features (banks, gullies, one cart track) show a remarkable regularity, hinting at patterned landscape exploitation. The discussion is widened by setting these results in the context of the Piana Campana. Regional archaeological and pollen data confirm the marked agrarian impact over the landscape during this period. Arboreal pollen has generally low values under the Pomici di Avellino eruption, but it increases in the plain after this event, possibly due to the main settlement relocation in more defendable spots. The identified anthropic impact is due to the long-lasting shifting agricultural strategy adopted by human communities from the late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age.