New charcoal evidence at the onset of MIS 4 : First insights into fuel management and the local landscape at De Nadale cave (northeastern Italy)

Archaeological evidence of Middle Palaeolithic sites in Europe dating to MIS 4 remains very scarce compared to those belonging to previous (MIS 5) and later (MIS 3) periods. Of the few documented, a very low number have provided anthracological data reflecting the local landscape and fuel gathering strategies during MIS 4 Neanderthal occupations. This factor especially limits our knowledge of local landscape dynamics and the climatic conditions where these human occupations occurred. In this paper we contribute to this context through charcoal data from De Nadale cave, a single-layered Mousterian site located in northeastern Italy (Berici Hills area) and dated to 70.2 + 1/-0.9 ka BP. Anthracological data suggests the preferential use of spruce / larch (Picea - Larix) as firewood together with cryophilous pines (Pinus tp. sylvestris) and birch (Betula sp.) indicating prevailing harsh climatic conditions. Additional analysis focused on taphonomic features affecting charcoal point out to advance decay evidence prior to charring caused by fungi and insects. Although further data is needed, our results provide complementary information agreeing with the faunal spectrum, the small mammals assemblage and the nearby terrestrial pollen sequences.