Residue analysis of late Bronze Age ceramics from the archaeological site of Pilastri di Bondeno (northern Italy)

In this paper we present the results of the analysis of a first set of five fragments of pottery found at the late Bronze age site of Pilastri di Bondeno, in the Po valley, northern Italian peninsula (15th-14th centuries BC). While the study of archaeological ceramics, in this area and for the involved period, has been traditionally addressed to building up chronological and cultural frameworks, GC-MS analysis revealed that the local pottery have absorbed and preserved organic residues that may reveal some aspects of the use of these vessels. Some vessels were used for the preparation and consumption of animal products, possibly broths. However, the most important aspect of the study it is that it provides new insights on the production of fermented beverages and possibly wine in late Bronze age of northern Italy, and thus the most ancient date for the consumption of wine in the area in the transition between the Middle and the Late Bronze age. Moreover, the study shows the use of sulfur as possible coating agent,opening a discussion on its long-distance trade.