Treazzano di Monsampolo, a Recent Bronze Age Settlement in the Middle Adriatic Area

Abstract

Treazzano di Monsampolo is situated in the basin of the Tronto River in the Marche region, central-eastern Italy. In 1979, the site was investigated by the Soprinendenza Archeologica delle Marche through explorative trenches following the fortuitous discovery of a Mycenaean fine ware fragment, which constituted the first Aegean artefact from the region. The excavation, whose documentation has been lost, brought to light evidence of structures related to a settlement. The findings, which mainly include pottery but also animal bones, lithic and bronze fragments as well as evidence of an antler industry, date to a period comprising the end of Middle Bronze Age 3 (MBA 3) and the very beginning of the Final Bronze Age (FBA) (14th–12th century BC). Except for a few decorated fragments belonging to the Apennine facies, most of the pottery from Treazzano di Monsampolo shows Subapennine typical features, sometimes characterized by regional or local elements. Although the pottery does not show marked influences from the Terramare area, some evidence of these contacts can be seen in the antler industry quite well represented at the site.