Il sito di Titolo di Bari nel quadro economico e ambientale del Neolitico nell’Italia meridionale. Analisi preliminare dei resti animali dagli scavi 2012-14

This paper presents the results of a study of the animal remains from the site of Titolo, located on the coast of Palese, 10 km from Bari and about 150 m from the sea, dated to the middle Neolithic (middle 6th - middle 4th millennium BC) and excavated by the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la Città metropolitana di Bari between 2012 and 2014. Zooarchaeological analysis suggests an economy based on well-developed husbandry and a quite varied exploitation of animal sources. Domestic species prevailed, especially sheep and goats, followed by pigs and cattle. Hunting played a secondary role, aimed however at deer and hares. Fishing and the gathering of mainly tortoises and sea molluscs, in particular limpet, are also evidenced. The site fits well into the Neolithic framework documented for southern Italy, reflecting the typical peculiarity of a period in which livestock and agriculture played roles of primary importance in the economies of the communities involved.