Archaeological sites in Italy: The Palaeolithic Museum of Isernia

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Archaeological Surface with Animal Bones

The archaeological site of Isernia is one of the most important and ancient in Europe, since the finds dates back from 500,000 to 700,000 years ago. During this period, the area was frequented by groups of ancestors of the modern man.

The museum houses the reconstruction of a portion of the archaeological site containing bones of bison, rhinoceros, elephants, bears, hippopotamuses and deer, which represent the remains of hunting and exploitation of animal resources. 

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Baby’s tooth found in the site of Isernia

There are also limestone and flint splinters that were abandoned there by men 600,000 years ago. These are the findings that testify to the slaughter and exploitation of animal carcasses, which are confirmed by the traces found on osseous remains, such as intentional fractures, striae due to the cutting activity of the lithic finds, and the abundance of fragments in flint that show traces of meat cutting activities.

In 2014 there was another important discovery during the excavation activity, that is, the discovery of the oldest human find in Italy: a milk incisor of a deceased child at the age of about five years. The tooth shows special features that are not present in other remains found in Europe and has been attributed to Homo heidelbergensis, who lived in Europe 600,000 years ago and is the ancestor of the Neanderthal Man

This field is also important for the study of the Quaternary History of the Mediterranean Basin. In fact, it contributes to the reconstruction of the Pleistocene floristic and faunistic paleoenvironment. To enrich the exhibition halls of the museum, there are numerous showcases with the most important finds, educational panels and an interactive screen with audio and video contents, that allows visitors to learn more details on the archeological surface represented. In addition, it is possible to observe the reconstruction of a Paleolithic and Neolithic hut, as well as the reproduction of an Elephas antiquus specimen that make the visit entertaining and suggestive.

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The Palaeolithic site of Isernia La Pineta

The Palaeolithic Museum is born around the archaeological site of Isernia La Pineta which is an integral part of the museum complex thanks to a pavilion of about 700 square meters characterized by two paths placed on two different levels: the upper one welcomes visitors, the lower one is frequented by archaeologists and researchers who still work today, mostly in the summer months, to excavate and study the materials found on the site.

The Palaeolithic Museum is located around the archaeological area of Isernia La Pineta, which is an integral part of the museum complex thanks to a pavilion of about 700 square meters characterized by two paths on two different levels. The upper one welcomes visitors, the lower one is frequented by archaeologists and researchers who still today, especially in the summer months, work on the excavation and study of the materials found in the site.

Copyright photos: molisiamo.it; unife.it; www.archeologicamolise.beniculturali.it.