Evidenze del Paleolitico medio recente all’Arma delle Manie (Finale Ligure, Savona): sintesi e prospettive di ricerca

This note presents a synthesis of the research carried out at the Arma delle Manie (Finale Ligure, Savona) from the initial investigations (1962) to the most recent phases. The most archaeologically rich and best-preserved levels belong to a late phase of the Mousterian, which is at least partly attributable to MIS 3, as suggested by cultural and environmental data, as well as absolute dating (U/Th and ESR). The material evidence indicates that the area was primarily used for butch- ering hunted animals, with red deer predominating. The raw mate- rials, mostly of local origin and poorly silicified or non-glassy, were mainly exploited using the discoid method, as it is suitable for the management of lower quality lithotypes. Furthermore, Neanderthal teeth have also been identified among the finds. These findings, result- ing from over sixty years of intermittent research, now form the basis for resuming investigations in the cave. The aim is to further explore the late Mousterian and the behaviours of the last Neanderthal groups prior to the Protoaurignacian and anatomically modern humans arriv- ing and settling in Liguria.