Marcello Mannino

Excavations at the prehistoric site of Arma dell’Aquila have unearthed numerous Neolithic burials, as well as loose human bones that had not been dated directly. This paper presents the results of AMS radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analyses undertaken on collagen extracted from a total of 9 human bones. Elemental and isotopic analyses, as well as collagen yields, indicate that the extracts are well-preserved collagen. The radiocarbon dates show that the burials date to 5660-4500 years calibrated BC, covering the Early and Middle Neolithic in Liguria. Carbon and nitroge isotope analyses testify that the individuals whose remains were recovered from Arma dell’Aquila regularly consumed meat and other animal products, similarly to other Neolithic humans from Liguria and Provence.