Gli scavi del 1974 a Sorgenti della Nova (Farnese, VT): analisi dei materiali e rilettura del contesto

Before the start of regular excavation campaigns, Sorgenti della Nova’s cliff has been subjected to quarrying activities, which heavily compromised the Northern portion of the protohistoric settlement. However, in 1974 the earthworks carried out by machines, revealed the presence of protohistoric layers still in situ. These were stratigraphically excavated before they were finally removed. The investigated area, located on the western border at the foothills of the cliff’s northern side, showed evidence of a large hearth characterised by three phases due probably to two refit episodes. The re-examination of this context and the study of a selection of pottery finds allowed to date it to the Late Bronze Age 3 (3C). It was possible to argue that the context belonged to an open-air area on an artificial terrace, maybe destined to communal feasts with a possible ceremonial connotation.