When the time stops. The “Grotta dei Cocci” (Terni, Italy)

Ceramic findings from “Grotta dei Cocci” and dating back to the Early Neolithic were studied.The ceramic samples have been characterized by a combined use of Optical Microscopy (OM),X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) to define themineralogical assemblage, to estimate firing conditions and to provide information on rawmaterials used for the production. The results show that the main mineral inclusions arequartz, flint and carbonate rocks and minor amount of biotite, calcite, feldspar and pyroxene;in addiction, fragments of magmatic rocks have been identified.The optical active matrix and the presence of mineral inclusions of primary calcite allowthe estimation of the maximum firing temperature in the range 750–850◦C under uncon-trolled atmosphere conditions. Finally, a local origin of raw materials is supported by thepresence of sedimentary and magmatic rocks that outcrop close to the archaeological site.