Pirro Nord Campagna 2024

The 2024 excavation campaign at the Pirro Nord site (Fissure Pirro 13) focused on investigating the paleontological and archaeological context of one of the oldest and most significant Lower Pleistocene sites in Europe. This year’s activities were dedicated to understanding depositional processes and faunal assemblages, with particular attention to lithic industries and their implications for early hominin behavioral patterns. The excavation was carried out across multiple squares, employing systematic stratigraphic recording and sediment analysis. Key stratigraphic units (US A, B, C, and primarily D) were examined, revealing distinctive sedimentological features, such as clayey-sandy matrices interspersed with gravel lenses and cross-laminated sands. The site yielded a wide variety of faunal remains, including lagomorphs, chelonians, and large herbivores, often accompanied by taphonomic evidence of long-distance transport. These findings underline the significance of Pirro Nord as a repository of paleoenvironmental and paleontological data. Numerous lithic artifacts were recovered, including flakes and cores made of flint. The lithic industry demonstrates a variety of reduction methods, including SSDA, discoidal, and opportunistic flake reduction. Some cores exhibited orthogonal percussion planes, reflecting diverse technological approaches. Of particular note is the association of lithic tools with faunal remains, suggesting their functional role in carcass processing. Systematic protocols for sediment washing and sieving were implemented to maximize the recovery of microfaunal and lithic materials. Artifacts were meticulously cataloged based on stratigraphic unit, square, and typology, enabling detailed analyses. Photogrammetry and detailed stratigraphic documentation were conducted at every stage of the excavation, providing high-resolution records of the excavation area. Collaboration with local quarry workers facilitated the removal of large boulders, uncovering new excavation zones and enabling further stratigraphic exploration. The campaign concluded with the secure closure of the excavation area and the transfer of recovered materials to laboratories for detailed analysis. Preliminary results confirm the importance of Pirro Nord as a key site for understanding early hominin behavior and paleoecological conditions during the Lower Pleistocene.