La Polledrara di Cecanibbio (Rome, Italy), an example of protection and enhancement of a geosite of palaeontological and archaeological interest.

The middle Pleistocene site of La Polledrara di Cecanibbio, (NW of Rome, Italy), dated to about 300.000 years BP, is listed as one of Latium geosites. It was excavated since1985 and investigations are presently being completed. Two main depositional phases have been recognized at this site: an older one represented by a fluvial episode indicated by a segment of an ancient river bed where innumerable faunal remains (over 20,000), mainly referable to large mammals (Palaeoloxodon antiquus, Bos primigenius, Cervus elaphus, etc.), were found. During the second phase, the area became marshy; recent excavations in these levels uncovered the remains of an elephant, trapped in the mud, that had been exploited by humans (Homo heidelbergensis) as indicated by numerous lithic artifacts, used for butchering, recovered around the carcass. The archaeological deposit has been protected by a museum structure for its preservation and safeguard, allowing also enjoyment by a wider public.