Neolithic and Copper Age at Moscano (Fabriano – AN)

Abstract

Recent excavations at Moscano in Fabriano have uncovered a double inhumation grave in a reused cavity, for which two 14C dates have been identified. The grave was found on the outskirts of a Copper Age settlement, featuring rough surface pottery similar to that discovered on layer 4 at Attiggio in Fabriano. The two burials at Moscano lay one above the other, with a thin layer of soil separating them. The lower inhumation is an incomplete female adult skeleton (Individual 1) and was probably laid in a huddled position. A flint arrowhead was probably part of the grave goods. The upper burial is of a young individual aged around 8 years (Individual 1A) laid out in a supine position. It is not clear whether a pottery fragment decorated with scales and found at the site is related to this individual. This burial is currently unique for several reasons, including its location in inland Marche, the laid out position of the upper body and the presence of pottery decorated with scales. Although problematic in several respects, the 14C dates of the two individuals are suggestive of end of 4th / early 3rd millennium BC. This would make these discoveries contemporary to the most recent burials at Fontenoce and the central phase of the settlement at Conelle in Arcevia.