“Cosa mangiavano i Normanni?” Analisi preliminare dei resti faunistici provenienti dal Castello Carlo V di Lecce

This paper discusses the results of a study of the faunal sample dated to the Norman period (11th-12th century AD) and recovered during the archaeological excavations of the courtyard of Castle Carlo V of Lecce, located on the eastern side of the ancient wall of the city and characterised by several occupation phases. The excavation was carried out by the University del Salento (director Prof. P. Arthur). The sample is mainly composed of the remains of the main domesticates: pig, caprines (sheep and goat), cattle and domestic fowl; wild species are also present, but in more limited numbers. The aim of the work is to understand the dietary habits of the inhabitants of Lecce during the Norman period.